Julian raises danger of abandoned horses to road users in Stockton Lane
November 12, 2014
Two loose horses were reported to be wandering onto the road in Stockton Lane, at around 8.40am this morning. North Yorkshire Police were quick to attend the scene and tether the horses to a roadside fence. The owner of the horses have yet to be identified.
Julian has been campaigning for a change in the law to stop abandoned horses posing a danger to road users around York. Reacting to the news today he said: “It is simply not acceptable for residents around Stockton Lane to be put at risk because irresponsible owners have abandoned their horses near the roadside. Horses require daily care and attention more needs to be done to prevent this kind of neglect from jeopardising the safety of families driving around York. At this rate it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or even killed.”
In September there was a traffic accident on the A64 from York to Scarborough involving two abandoned horses and a cement lorry. One horse died almost immediately, but the second was only injured and subsequently went missing. It was later traced back to the Osbaldwick traveller site where the RSPCA attempted to treat the injured animal. Unfortunately, the mare had to be euthanized soon afterwards as the vets were unable to control her pain and she was found to be bleeding internally. The owner of the horse has yet to come forward.
Julian’s proposed legislation, the Control of Horses Bill, will reduce the length of time it takes for abandoned horses to be rescued from over two weeks to just four days. It will also allow the horses to be gifted to animal welfare sanctuaries, which is not currently possible under existing laws. As it stands the horses can only be sold at auction, often to the very people who abandoned them in the first place.
Amendments were tabled to the Bill this week, which will extend the provisions to both public and private land. It is notoriously difficult for private member’s bills to make it onto the statute books and Julian’s proposals must pass through both Houses of Parliament before the general election in May.
