Abandoned horses 'causing concern for farmers'

More and more horses are being abandoned on farms and common land causing concern for farmers, according to the National Farmers' Union.

"The issue of fly grazing, whereby horses and ponies are turned out to graze on private land, such as farmers’ fields, without permission, has risen to some considerable prominence in recent months" said William Jenkins of NFU Cymru Monmouthshire.

"We have seen incidents, particularly in south Wales and along the M4 corridor, and the problem is also extending onto areas of common land in the south Wales valleys."

Areas of common land where horses and ponies have been abandoned are a cause for concern to regular graziers.

There is limited grass to graze on common land and this causes a serious welfare problem for horses and ponies.

There will also be repercussions when regular graziers want to return their animals to common land for the summer months as there may not be enough grass.

The NFU recently launched a report which examines the scale of fly-grazing and horse abandonment, with recommendations for action.

Since the launch, the NFU has attended a conference on the issue, with representatives from local authorities, police, fire service and equine charities who all pledged to continue working together to find a resolution to the problem.

A recent survey carried out by the Union found that about five per cent of members in Wales have direct experience of fly-grazing, while a similar number are aware of a neighbour who has been a victim of fly-grazing.

The survey also indicated that the problem has worsened over the past three years.

"The damage to pasture land and crops can be considerable but it is also the anguish for those farmers affected by this menace that should be considered as the liability unfairly falls on farmers who are the innocent victims of this illegal activity. I sincerely hope a sensible solution can be found to this problem as soon as possible" Jenkins said.