New fly-grazing laws sees 49 horses rescued

A herd of 49 horses have been rescued after being abandoned and left to fend for themselves.

Died of neglect

Several of the horses on Manmoel Common near Ebbw Vale in South Wales died last year due to neglect. Under the new Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014 Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly councils were finally able to seize the horses, after serving a seven-day notice of removal.

The councils then contacted the National Equine Welfare Council, asking for help in rehabilitating and rehoming them.

Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk has taken in 39 of the herd, while Lluest which is “full to capacity” offered homes to a mare with a young foal at foot and a gelding. The remaining horses went to the Mare & Foal Sanctuary in Devon.

Home for life

The horses and ponies at Hillside – some of which are in foal – are now settled inand being well-fed and cared for. While some are underweight, most are in reasonable condition.

“Seizing the horses was a pre-emptive move as a harsh winter would have wiped some of them out,” said John Watsonat Hillside. “They have a home for life at Hillside as they’re not really suitable for riding horses. We will keep them in their own herd and ensure they have a nice home.”

Some horses have been left on the common, as their owners can be identified andthey have a legal right to graze there.