City of York Council’s new contractor is starting to work on site to help combat the danger posed by tethered horses. Last year the council’s Cabinet approved a policy to remove horses from council land, which included appointing a contractor to deal with this matter. The three-year contract went out to tender in September followed by a competitive and qualitative tendering process. A letter of appointment was sent to the successful business just before Christmas.
In accordance with a joint protocol, the council says that it will continue to work with horse and land owners, the police, RSCPA and the National Farmers Union (NFU) to promote best practice around tethered horses. Work will also continue with the RSPCA and horse welfare charities to develop micro chipping options and look at opportunities for a re-homing service.
Where a horse is found to be illegally tethered on council land, legal notices will be posted giving notice that if they are not removed then they will be impounded. Horses will only be returned to the owners where ownership can be proven and following payment of all the associated costs.
Councillor Linsay Cunningham Cross, Cabinet Member for Crime and Stronger Communities, said: “We know that York residents are concerned about the problem of tethered horses, particularly near public highways, and that is one of the reasons the Council is responding practically to help address the problem. The new contractor will carry out assessments and inspections to seek out horses, post legal notices, carry out risk assessments, provide horse transport and livery, as well as administration and liaison between a number of agencies and individuals, but private land owners will also be able to call on the services provided to ensure we have a joined up approach to this problem across the city.”
Inspector Jo Brooksbank of York North Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The appointment of a horse bailiff is welcome news and a result of many agencies working together to provide a solution to the problem of loose horses in York.
“In response to concerns raised by the community and a subsequent increased demand for calls for service on police officers, I have worked with City of York Council and other agencies to produce a long-term management strategy to address the issue.
“The animals, either tethered or inappropriately placed, present an unacceptable danger to road users and members of the community. In some instances members of the public are faced with personal injury or damage to vehicles and property as a result of irresponsible actions by some horse owners.
“The safety of the community and road users remains my priority and the Safer Neighbourhood Team will ensure that the necessary support and communication is provided.
“By working together with City of York Council, the message is clear to the owners of those horses – the placing of horses on council land will not be tolerated and a robust approach to dealing with such incidents will be followed.”
