Unauthorised Horses on Land / Fly Grazing
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Control of Horses Act 2015
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“The Act is about horses which are unlawfully present on land, whether they have strayed there or been placed there deliberately. It amends the Animals Act 1971 (“the1971 Act”) so as to enable local authorities to deal with horses which are present unlawfully in public places, and also to enable freeholders and occupiers to deal with horses which are present unlawfully on their land.”
Equine Removal Services
From the 26th May 2015, the Animals Act 1971 was amended to include the Control of Horses Act 2015 which provides landowners in England with additional rights to deal with horses that are unlawfully grazing on their land. This act is an amendment to the Animals Act 1971 and the two pieces of legislation should be viewed in conjunction. The aim of the act is to enable enforcement authorities and private landowners to work together to protect both the public and the environment from the nuisance caused by abandonment, straying and fly-grazing of horses. The act covers England only; however, Wales has a similar piece of legislation (The Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014).
Our Services
CMD Enforcement are a leader in the removal of unauthorised horses on private land. We have over 24 years experience in equine removal and associated issues.
Our specialist agents can provide the following services to ensure the land is cleared:
- All legal notices and warnings
- Secure equine hand-over service
- Planning and risk assessment of the operation to impound, including police liaison and support
- Full impoundment service
- Secure equine after-care site and veterinary assessment, with 24 hour emergency care
- Ethical re-homing or disposal
Police Involvement
The police are informed when CMD Enforcement feel it is necessary that might be when serving the notice of eviction or when a physical eviction is taking place. The Department for communities and Local Government (February 2004) advises police presence be called upon to prevent a breach of the peace. The police will also assess the situation and if their findings are that the eviction is not appropriate, then it should always be delayed until an agreed time. If a landlord chooses to ignore the police advice, he/she may find that the eviction could result in an injury, assault or damage to a person or property.
How can I avoid this happening again in the future?
• Plough unused fields so that no grazing is available, making your land less attractive to potential fly-grazers
• Remove water troughs
• Put locks on all gates and entrances to fields
• Block entrances to fields with large rocks, banks of earth or deep ditches
• Keep up to date records to prove your ownership of the land
**(Whilst you feel you may not need to take this action, once the horses are on your land you become responsible for them and any consequences that may occur as a result of the horses being there, such as; Road traffic accident, injuries to the horses or persons.)**
Contact CMD Enforcement today for advice on your exact requirements along with any problems you are currently faced with.
Should you be having issues with human trespassers or Gypsy Travellers, please click the following link: Travellers/Squatters/Trespassers