New government bill saves foal’s life

A foal’s life has been saved thanks to a new government bill to control fly-grazing.

Control of Horses Act

The skewbald foal, who was only a few months old, was found tethered along with another horse in the Red Lodge area of Suffolk. Before anyone could step in to help, the horses disappeared and were later found on the site of an old rubbish tip.

Sadly the foal’s companion had died and been left to rot in the field. However, under the Control of Horses Act, the landowner was advised ‘Huckleberry’ could be moved.

Working with Suffolk Police and the RSPCA, the World Horse Welfare agreed to take the foal to its rescue and rehoming centre.

Remove vulnerable horses

After four days Huckleberry’s owner had not come forward, so the landowner signed ownership over to the charity.

“Huckleberry’s case is an important demonstration of how effective the Control of Horses Act can be in helping quickly remove vulnerable horses to a safe and secure place where they can be given the care they need,” said World Horse Welfare field officer Jacko Jackson.

“Huckleberry can now undergo rehabilitation and join our rehoming scheme once he is ready, giving him a bright future despite his difficult start in life.”

Tougher laws

The Control of Horses Act 2015 gives greater power to landowners and local authorities to remove horses being grazed without permission. It shortens the time period before the horses become the property of the landowner from two weeks to just four days.

The Act, which was passed in March this year, is the result of three years of campaigning for tougher laws to address fly-grazing.

Enquiries to trace Huckleberry’s original owner are on-going.