Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Our Specialist Team at Specialist and Equine Bailiffs Ltd T/a “The Horse Bailiffs have been dealing with fly grazing horses for over 20 years.
Our work was featured on the BBC1’s fly on the wall documentary “The Sheriffs are Coming” Our team understand all about the importance of acting quickly and professionally when dealing with this problem.
For help with the removal of Fly grazing Horses
Contact The Horse Bailiffs now to discuss using our horse bailiff service.
124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NJ
Telephone – 0208 0044644
Email help@thehorsebailiffs.co.uk
The full article on Fly grazing horses is below however rest assured we can help you with your problem by using our services anywhere in England.
How to deal with Fly Grazing horses
Over the last few years, fly grazing has become a significant issue across the country, with horses being left on roadsides, industrial estates, and private land, causing accidents and straining resources. The Control of Horses Act 2015 grants local authorities and landowners the power to detain these horses, but knowing how to navigate the process can be challenging. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps you need to take to effectively deal with fly grazing horses, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the community.
Key Takeaways:
- Control of Horses Act 2015: Local authorities and landowners have the power to detain fly grazed horses on their land without lawful authority.
- Detention and Notification: Bailiffs must report the detention of horses to the local police and, if known, the horse’s owner within 24 hours.
- Owner Claim Period: Owners of fly grazed horses have 96 hours (4 days) to claim their horses, pay detention costs, and transport fees. Failure to do so can result in the disposal of the horses through humane destruction, sale, or donation to charity.
Understanding Fly Grazing
Definition and Impact of Fly Grazing
While fly grazing may sound harmless, it is a serious issue that involves horses being illegally tethered or abandoned on private and public land without proper care.
The Extent of the Problem: Statistics and Consequences
Clearly, the extent of fly grazing is alarming, with reports suggesting around 3,500 horses regularly involved in this practice. The consequences of fly grazing include safety hazards on roadsides, industrial estates, and agricultural land, as well as putting pressure on businesses and local authorities who have to spend significant amounts addressing the issue.
This dangerous practice not only poses risks to the horses themselves but also to the general public, leading to accidents and property damage. Additionally, the financial burden on local authorities and landowners is significant, with some spending up to £100,000 over 12 months to tackle the problem.
Factors Contributing to Fly Grazing
It is important to understand the factors that contribute to the issue of fly grazing in order to effectively address and prevent it. Several key factors play a role in the prevalence of fly grazing across the country.
Lack of Enforcement and Zero-Tolerance Policies
Grazing horses on public and private land often occurs due to a lack of enforcement of existing laws and zero-tolerance policies. This lax enforcement allows individuals to continue to illegally tether and abandon horses, leading to the problem of fly grazing perpetuating.
Overwhelmed Horse Charities and Limited Resources
You also deal with overwhelmed horse charities and their limited resources when it comes to addressing the issue of fly grazing. With the increasing number of abandoned horses and limited space and funds, these charities struggle to provide adequate care and housing for all the animals in need.
Ease of Abandoning Horses on Private and Public Land
On top of this, the ease of abandoning horses on private and public land contributes to the problem of fly grazing. Policies that allow for swift disposal of abandoned horses can lead individuals to easily dump their animals, further exacerbating the issue.
The Legal Framework: Control of Horses Act 2015
Powers Granted to Local Authorities and Landowners
After the implementation of the Control of Horses Act 2015, local authorities and landowners have been granted the power to instruct bailiffs to detain horses on their land without lawful authority.
Detention and Reporting Procedures
Now, any landowner’s bailiff who detains horses on their land must report the detention to the local Police and, if known, the horse’s owner within 24 hours as per section 7C of the Animals Act.
It is crucial for landowners and bailiffs to follow the proper procedures for detention and reporting to ensure that the legal framework is upheld. This helps in addressing the issue of fly grazing effectively and legally.
Owner Responsibilities and Consequences
Some important owner responsibilities under the Control of Horses Act 2015 include claiming their detained horses within 96 hours and paying the costs of detention and transport. Failure to comply can result in the horses being disposed of by humane destruction, sale, or given to charity.
Reporting: It is important for landowners and bailiffs to report all detentions in a timely manner to ensure that the necessary actions are taken promptly to address the issue of fly grazing and prevent further incidents.
How to Deal with Fly Grazing Horses
Tips for Landowners: Prevention and Detection
To prevent fly grazing horses on your property, regularly inspect your land and set up secure fencing to deter unauthorized animals. Keep an eye out for any unfamiliar horses that may appear suddenly and report any suspicious activity to local authorities or specialised bailiffs. Any signs of fly grazing should be addressed promptly.
Steps to Take When Encountering Fly Grazing Horses
Prevention is key when dealing with fly grazing horses. If you encounter unauthorized horses on your land, document the situation with photos and contact the local authorities or bailiffs immediately. It is important to act swiftly to prevent further complications and ensure the welfare of the animals involved.
Working with Bailiffs and Local Authorities
One crucial step in addressing fly grazing issues is working closely with bailiffs and local authorities. They have the legal power to detain and remove unauthorized horses from your land, ensuring a swift resolution to the problem. By cooperating with these professionals, you can effectively tackle the issue of fly grazing and protect your property.
Removing Horses from Your Land
The Role of Bailiffs in Horse Removal
All landowners facing fly grazing issues can seek assistance from specialist bailiffs like Specialist and Equine Bailiffs Ltd. These bailiffs have the expertise to effectively remove horses from your land nationwide in a fast and cost-effective manner.
Understanding the Detention and Disposal Process
For instance, under the Control of Horses Act 2015, landowners have the authority to instruct bailiffs to detain horses displaying fly grazing behaviour on their land. The horses can then be disposed of through humane destruction, sale, or donation to charity if the owners fail to claim them within 96 hours.
Costs and Liabilities Associated with Horse Removal
While tackling fly grazing issues, landowners should be aware of the costs and liabilities involved in horse removal. The costs of detention and transport must be covered by the owners before they can reclaim their horses, failing which the horses can be disposed of.
Prevention and Deterrence Strategies
Implementing Effective Fencing and Barriers
Keep unwanted horses from fly grazing on your property by implementing sturdy fencing and barriers. Secure boundaries can deter horses from entering and prevent them from escaping.
Increasing Visibility and Surveillance
If possible, install cameras or increase surveillance in areas prone to fly grazing. Regular monitoring can help identify trespassing horses and potential risks.
A proactive approach to increasing visibility and surveillance can deter fly grazers and prevent accidents caused by loose horses.
Community Engagement and Education
Clearly communicate with local communities about the dangers and consequences of fly grazing. Educate them on the legal implications and encourage reporting of any sightings.
The collaboration with local communities is crucial in addressing the issue of fly grazing effectively. By raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility, we can work together to mitigate the problem.
By incorporating effective fencing and barriers, increasing visibility and surveillance, and engaging the community through education, we can combat fly grazing and ensure the safety of both horses and the public.
To wrap up
Following this, it is evident that fly grazing has become a significant issue, causing problems for local authorities, landowners, and businesses. The Control of Horses Act 2015 provides a legal framework for dealing with fly grazing horses, giving landowners and authorities the power to detain and dispose of the horses if necessary. As specialist bailiffs, Specialist and Equine Bailiffs Ltd offer a nationwide solution to help address the problem efficiently and effectively. By understanding the rights and procedures outlined in the Act, proper management and enforcement can lead to a safer and more controlled environment for all involved.
FAQ
Q: What is Fly Grazing?
A: Fly grazing refers to the illegal practice of leaving horses to graze on land without the permission of the landowner. This can lead to issues such as horses causing accidents, being dumped on private or public land, and putting pressure on businesses.
Q: What are the consequences of Fly Grazing?
A: Fly grazing can have various consequences, including accidents caused by loose horses, pressure on local authorities and landowners to deal with the issue, and overcrowding of horse charities trying to find places for seized horses.
Q: How can Fly Grazing be legally addressed?
A: The Control of Horses Act 2015 gives local authorities and landowners the power to instruct bailiffs to detain horses on their land without lawful authority. The owners of the offending horses have a limited time to claim them and must pay the costs of detention and transport to retrieve their animals. If the costs are not paid, the horses may be disposed of in a humane manner.
A trading name of Specialist and Equine Bailiffs Ltd
124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NJ
Telephone – 0208 0044644