Approval of Control of Horses Bill is a great step forward for horse welfare

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the passing of the Control of Horses Bill at its second reading today (24 October) in the House of Commons, hailing it a great step forward for horse welfare and landowners' rights. The Bill, tabled by the Member of Parliament for York Outer Julian Sturdy, will now continue to Committee Stage, where it will be examined in detail by a panel of MPs. Fly grazing is the practice of grazing horses on private or public land without the landowner's permission and involves well over 3,000 horses each year. Currently farmers and landowners, local authorities, animal welfare charities and vets are hampered in their efforts to deal with fly grazing horses because action depends on identifying owners who are absent. The Countryside Alliance has united with welfare groups to champion this Bill that would give local authorities and landowners greater powers to tackle the problem. Countryside Alliance executive chairman Barney White-Spunner said: "The issues of fly grazing and loose horses cause misery and mayhem to individuals, businesses and authorities around England and a great deal of suffering to the horses dumped and mistreated in this way. "Until now the legal powers to address the problem have been lacking but if this Bill is passed it will be a significant step forward for animal welfare and landowners' rights. We now call on the Government to give this Bill a fair wind in Committee Stage, and ensure it is given adequate parliamentary time in successive stages." For more information, contact the Countryside Alliance press office on 0207 8409220 and 07500 834163 or email [email protected]