Current fly grazing laws are not 'fit for purpose' and are failing to protect both the welfare of horses, and landowners who are subjected to intimidation, according to the Country Land and Business Association.
CLA President Henry Robinson, who gave evidence to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) select committee yesterday, said the law needs to change if the niche issue of fly grazing is to be tackled.
Mr Robinson said: “When thinking about how to tackle this issue, we need to look at the new legislation in Wales that allows local authorities to immediately seize horses left fly-grazing. In England, the restrictive legislation is not fit for purpose and takes too long to action. Landowners must wait two weeks before they can legally detain animals left on their property. In many cases, after 13 days those responsible simply move the horses to fly graze elsewhere.
“We need to look at extending the Control of Horses Act that exists in Wales across all local authorities in England. Without a collective approach, the problem will simply migrate from one area to the next.
“Anti-social Behaviour Orders cannot be replied on. Most fly-grazed horses have no passport, and no microchip, and there is no way of contacting the person who put it there.”
The organisation said landowners who find horses left to fly graze on their land, may also find themselves liable if the horses escape.
Mr Robinson said: “Landowners concerned with the welfare of fly grazed horses may attempt to take control by giving them food, but this could leave them liable if the animals escape and cause damage. If the law allowed the animals to be removed quickly, there would be less chance for them to be kept on unsuitable land for long periods of time.
“The Control of Horses Act in Wales only allows the animals to be returned to the owner once costs, such as vets fees and transportation, are fully paid and ownership proved. This not only saves landowners from large fees but limits the likelihood of the horse being left to repeatedly fly graze.”
