Bailiffs' threat over horses

Council-employed bailiffs have threatened to put down two horses belonging to a Black Country woman unless she proves that they are hers – despite her sending them the animals' passports.

Debbie Heaven, aged 42, said she was distraught after receiving a letter from the firm that impounded the horses after they were left on public land near her son Chad's home.

She sent a full set of documentation to PPS Impoundment but was told the animals would be "disposed of" unless they provided more information within 14 days. Mrs Heaven, from Withymoor, Amblecote, Stourbridge, said: "The whole family is devastated.

"We accept they shouldn't have been there but I can't believe a company employed by the council is threatening to kill two innocent animals.

"We sent off the two horses' passports which has all the information you could want, but for some unknown reason, they say that is not enough."

The horses were left on public land in Gayfield Avenue, Withymoor, after they had been to Prestwood Horse Show. Mrs Heaven said the horses had been tied up at midnight and were gone by 8am the next day.

The letter from PPS Impoundment said: "We are unable to accept your claim for legal responsibility.

"We need further and better details regarding the equine, such as whether they were tethered or loose, were they wearing rugs and what type."

Council spokeswoman Katherine Finney said: "This company will manage this matter in its entirety."