Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Councils have worked in partnership with equine charities and organisations from around the UK to find new homes for almost 50 horses and ponies on Manmoel Common.
The two councils took ownership of the horses on Tuesday 8th July, after their owners failed to come forward and claim them. Since taking possession of the animals, officers from both councils have worked together to find suitable permanent homes for the ponies and horses.
The council has been liaising with Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk, Carmarthen-based Lluest Horse and Pony Trust and the Mare & Foal Sanctuary in Devon, and these groups have agreed to receive all the animals in the near future.
A spokesman for Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Borough Councils, said: “We are delighted these organisations have come forward to take possession of these horses. We would like to thank all parties for their efforts in providing a positive result to this situation.”
This outcome will signify the end of a year-long project between Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council and local charities and groups to address welfare issues associated with the animals on the common.
Many of the horses on the common had no known owners, and historically there were issues with the horses and ponies’ basic needs not being met – including insufficient feed, problems with worms and lice, lack of farriery and no breeding controls.
Only animals that are illegally grazing will be removed from the common.
The rehoming of these horses will result in Manmoel Common becoming more sustainable, and the area will be able to support the remaining horses that have a legal right to graze there.
