AN increase in the number of horses on the loose has led police and county officials to convene to tackle the problem.
In recent weeks, police have received reports about stray horses in Evenwood and on the A688 bypass just outside West Auckland. However, they say it is not just their responsibility.
The issue was raised at Teesdale Action Partnership’s recent board meeting.
Neighbourhood inspector for Teesdale and Weardale Kevin Tuck said: “Loose horses on the highway have been an issue. It is part of a historical wider issue with horses in the Bishop Auckland area.
“If police are called they go out to try to deal with it as best they can. The responsible authority for the removal of the horses is Durham County Council. The police do not possess horse wagons or lassoes.”
Following a recent rise in incidents, Durham Police and Durham County Council are currently working together to come up with a solution.
Neighbourhood inspector for Bishop Auckland Andy Reeves said: “We are working with the partner agencies around what we can and can’t do in relation to them.
“The problem is unsecured horses or horses in fields that don’t have security provision.
“This is allowing horses to get out on the roads and that is when we get called. Our primary responsibility is road safety.”
Speaking at the meeting, board member and county councillor George Richardson voiced his concerns.
He said: “I have had complaints from farmers because if you find horses on the roads, police will open any gate and put the horses in there. They are not their horses and they are on their land.
“You can appreciate the damage that they can do when it is wet.”
Insp Tuck said: “As a police officer on the ground you try to get them off the road. If anyone does have a problem with horses on the road they can call the police but I do think you need to contact the county council too. They need the evidence on their system to see the magnitude of the problem. It needs a professional solution.”
Board member and county councillor Stephen Hugill said: “There is only one solution – chip them and find the owners.”
Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, Ian Hoult, said: “The control of a horse is primarily the owner’s responsibility and contacting them is always our first port of call when dealing with any reports of horses on land.
“If this is on the council’s land then we will do the same and consider seizure based on risk although we don’t have the power to seize horses on private land.
“We are working with the police regarding this and would ask anyone who has information about individuals allowing their horses to stray to get in touch with us. Anyone who sees a loose horse on a public road or highway should report it directly to the police.”
Meanwhile, police are urging horse owners to be more vigilant.
Insp Reeves said: “We would appeal to horse owners to make sure the fields are fit for purpose and to make sure all the railings are in place.”
Owners have also been asked to ensure horses have enough feed in their enclosure. Anyone concerned about the welfare of any horses should contact the RSPCA or police on 101.
