Horses and Ponies
Horse owners should be aware that they have a duty of care for
their horses under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
This makes owners and keepers (A person could therefore be
responsible for an animal if they own or are in change of it)
responsible for ensuring that their animals’ welfare needs are met.
These include:
- For a suitable environment (place to live)
- For a suitable diet
- To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- To be housed with or apart from other animals (if
applicable)
- To be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease
A code of practice for the welfare of Horses, Ponies, Donkeys
and their Hybrids came into force in April 2010. This code outlines
the responsibilities horse owners have under the Animal Welfare Act
2006 and contains information on diet, behaviour, health and
passports. Although breaking the code is not a criminal offence,
evidence that it has not been adhered to can be used in welfare
prosecutions. Please see related links to download a copy of this
code of practice.
Tethered Horses
Rochford District Council does not permit the long term
tethering of horses or ponies, in any open environment, on any land
owned or managed by the Council. In line with the RSPCA, the
Council does not oppose an animal being tethered for short periods,
e.g. for grooming or having a short break in journey or working
period. Equally the Council would not oppose an animal being
tethered in a field for a short period whilst boundary fencing was
installed or repaired.
However, there are some horses and ponies tethered on private
land in the district and such horses that are tethered should have
access to adequate food and particularly water. Ideally, they
should also have access to shelter from not only from wind and
rain, but also the sun. All such animals should be regularly
checked by their owners. If anyone sees a tethered a horse that
appears to be in distress, they should contact the RSPCA.
Stray Horses
Any horses found straying on the highway should be reported to
the local police. If the report is not urgent, please use the Essex
Police non-emergency number of 0300 300 4444. In an emergency call
999.
Horses found on Council Land
Horses that are found straying or tethered on land owned or
managed by Rochford District Council will be removed under the
Councils ‘Stray or Tethered Horse Removal Policy’ using powers
under the Animals Act 1971.
Owners of such horses should be aware that under the Animals Act
1971 the Council will not return the horse until proof of ownership
has been provided and all reasonably incurred expenses related to
the removal and detention of the horse has been paid in full.
In all cases of horses found straying or tethered on Council
land, the welfare of the horse is paramount and, if required,
advice will be sought from the RSPCA or an equine veterinary
surgeon.
This policy only relates to Rochford District Council owned or
managed land.
Dead Horses
Any horses that have died are the responsibility of the horses’
owner. However, if the horse has been killed on the highway and the
owner of the animal unknown, please contact the Contracted Services
Department of the Council on 01702 318111 during office hours or
01268 527317 out of hours to arrange removal of the animal.