GROWING concerns over the welfare of horses left roaming or tied up on open land in part of Northumberland have sparked an action plan by council officials.
Last week it was revealed how an emaciated and distressed pony had to be put to sleep by a vet after being found collapsed on wasteland in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
The skewbald pony – which had been tethered on waterlogged ground where no grazing was available – was spotted by a member of the public in the field at Rydal Mount.
A vet called to the scene by the RSPCA and Northumberland County Council advised that the animal was in such poor condition that it should be immediately put to sleep.
It was the second time in two months that a horse had been found in a bad condition on the same piece of land – and both Newbiggin and neighbouring Ashington have been plagued by the problem of stray horses for several years.
Now the county council has announced a new initiative aimed at tackling the growing problem – following a recent increase in concerns raised by members of the public about loose horses on roads, stray and tethered animals in residential areas and damage to fences and green spaces. The authority says it plans to take a multi-agency approach with action on a number of fronts. This will include: Enforcement action, including the removal and impounding of horses where necessary.
Educating horse owners about unauthorised grazing and providing information to the public about how to report problems.
Advice to landowners about how to deal with illegal grazing and assistance with micro-chipping and passporting of horses.
To help deliver the action plan, a new officer role will be created at the council to co-ordinate the work, organise the impounding of animal and liaise with partner organisations such as the police. In addition, an external bailiff company will be brought in to carry out direct enforcement action and impoundment of animals where necessary.
A council spokeswoman said: “This initiative will be reviewed after nine months to assess its effectiveness and confirm future arrangements.”
Earlier this month the problem of stray horses in the two towns was raised by Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery with Government minister David Heath.
Referring to last week’s incident in which the emaciated pony had to be put to sleep, RSPCA Inspector Tony Jackman said: “This pony was tethered in a completely unsuitable area, as the ground was waterlogged and there was no grazing available.
“We are very concerned for the welfare of horses which are tethered. They rely completely on their owners being responsible and visiting regularly.”
The pony had been gelded but did not have a microchip, so at the moment there is no way of tracing its owner. Anyone who knows who it belonged to should call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 123 4999 and ask to leave a message for Inspector Jackman.
