Solutions needed for fly-grazing problem

Long-term, sustainable solutions have to be found to tackle the serious issue of fly-grazing and horse abandonment – that was the consensus of opinion between NFU Cymru, the police, local authorities and the Welsh Government at the launch of NFU Cymru’s report entitled, 'Fly-grazing, the challenge of unauthorised grazing in Wales'.

NFU Cymru's Deputy President, Stephen James, explained to those present at the launch, held in Cardiff Bay, that there are currently no cost effective legal remedies universally available to farmers who find themselves with horses literally dumped on their land.

James presented the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Alun Davies AM, with a copy of the report produced by NFU Cymru and thanked him for sponsoring the launch event.

Davies has launched an eight week public consultation on finding a long term solution to fly grazing and abandonment of horses.

He said, "The Welsh Government vision is for a fly grazing free Wales. A zero tolerance approach that will ensure that Wales is free from the unacceptable social, economic and environmental harm caused by the nuisance of fly grazing.

"Fly grazing often impacts on public safety, on communities (public and privately owned land), the agricultural industry, the welfare of the animals concerned as well as placing financial burdens on both individuals and the tax payer.

Supt Paul James of Gwent Police told those present at the report launch that horse fly-grazing was a real threat to public safety.

He said, "It impacts on communities, as well as seriously impacting on farmers and it ultimately creates a financial burden on all those communities, authorities and farmers affected."

Lee Jones from Bridgend Council welcomed the support of the Welsh Government, the police, charities and NFU Cymru in looking for a more long term, sustainable approach to the problem of fly-grazing and abandoned horses.