Almost 50 feral horses and ponies on Manmoel Common are set to be taken into the ownership of two local authorities, in an ongoing partnership approach between Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Councils.
For over a year, the councils have been working together with local charities and other groups to address welfare issues associated with the horses and ponies on the common land which straddles both county boroughs.
There are no known owners for many of the horses, and historically, particularly during the winter months there have been issues with their basic needs not being met – including insufficient feed, problems with worms and lice, lack of farriery and no breeding controls.
As the land is common land, it is not the responsibility of either Blaenau Gwent or Caerphilly County Borough Council’s; however both have been requested to assist in preventing a re-occurrence of similar problems next winter by the landowner.
Consequently, both local authorities will be utilising their powers under the new Control of Horses Act 2014 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to help address the issue.
Notices will today (1st July 2014) be displayed on the common land, informing that the councils have seized the horses, and giving details of how the owners can claim them back. The notices are required to be displayed for at least 7 days, after which the horses become the property of the local authorities.
Both councils will be approaching equine welfare charities to explore possible avenues to re-home the horses and ponies at registered equine organisations across the country.
A spokesperson on behalf of Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s said: “Our utmost priority is ensuring the health and welfare of these horses and ponies, and we will work tirelessly alongside colleagues at other organisations to try and find permanent homes for as many of these animals as we possibly can. Re-homing avenues will be explored before any alternative options are considered.”
Residents with any information which may assist in identifying the owners of the horses and ponies on Manmoel Common are asked to contact Trading Standards on 01495 235 251.
