- 30/01/2014
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
Assembly Member Joyce Watson has welcomed the granting of Royal Assent to the Control of Horses (Wales) Act 2014.
The new law will equip local authorities in Wales with legal powers to combat fly-grazing. Councils will be permitted to seize, impound, re-home, sell or, as a last resort, humanely put down horses when they are on land without the permission of the landowner.
Mid and West AM Joyce Watson said the new law will empower councils to promote and protect horse welfare:
“There has been a significant increase in horse fly-grazing and abandonment in recent years, resulting in upsetting animal welfare cases and serious public safety concerns. The new law will empower councils to use the full force of the law to tackle fly-grazing and negligent horse owners head on.”
Farming minister Alun Davies first introduced the Control of Horses (Wales) Bill in October 2013. The move followed calls for action from local authorities, animal welfare charities, farmers and the police.
The Act was granted royal assent by the Queen at a ceremony in Cardiff on Monday (27 January).
For more information about Joyce Watson’s work contact her office on 02920 898972 / www.joycewatson.co.uk
