Seizure of Sandwell tethered horses is welcomed
The extension of a policy of seizing horses which are roaming the streets or tethered on public land in the Black Country has been welcomed by a councillor whose ward has been blighted by problems.
Councillor Derek Rowley, of Great Bridge ward, backed Sandwell Council's decision to stick with the policy until at least March 2016.
The authority has now appointed a new company, called EES, to continue that work.
Councillor Rowley believed the move had to continue due to the numbers of 'irresponsible owners' who ignored the council's message. He said: "Some irresponsible horse owners are still taking no notice.
"They have been leaving horses on grass verges by the highway on Waring Road, Tipton. They are also taking them out on places like Farley Park, and letting horses pull carts across it and ruining the fields for football. It's just not acceptable behaviour."
The authority has previously come in for criticism for its policy on seizing roaming and tethered horses, which was launched three years ago. During that time, more than 100 of horses have been removed by the council.
It has spent tens of thousands of pounds on bailiffs to enforce the policy – the previous company Rossendales cost more than £45,000 over two years. Bosses say their safety concerns regarding roaming horses include traffic problems and injuries to pedestrians. The issue also affects Dudley.
John Millar, Dudley's director of urban environment, said: "There is a historical issue with illegally grazing horses and stray horses wondering on the highway in the Dudley borough, but to address this we have developed a range of policies and services including the introduction of a reactive service to remove horses from the highway in partnership with the local police, using their legal powers and a local horse bailiff.
