More than 60 ‘fly grazing’ horses rehomed

More than 60 horses left to ‘fly graze’ on land near Cardiff Airport have been removed and rehomed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

The council said they undertook a large-scale operation to rehome the horses that were abandoned on its land.

The council took possession of the animals under the Animals Act 1971 and rehomed the more than 60 strong herd with the help of Norfolk-based horse charity, Redwings.

Under the Act, a landowner, in this case the Vale of Glamorgan Council, can issue a 14-day notice for the owner of animals left on its land to claim them. After this time has passed, the landowner becomes the legal owner of the animals.

The council said that after the horses were rounded up on Friday 13 January 2012, new homes were found for the animals at Redwings, Bransby Home of Rest for Horses in Lincolnshire and Horse World in Bristol. Transportation help was provided by The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon.

A spokeswoman said the welfare of the animals had been regularly reviewed by veterinary surgeons to ensure good welfare standards were maintained within the herd.

The spokeswoman added: "The activity of horse dumping or fly grazing will not be tolerated within the Vale of Glamorgan.

"We will continue to protect animals, to ensure they receive the care they require and deserve."

 Source: Vale of Glamorgan Council