Aimee O'LoughlinThe problem of unregistered horses has now reached a point where a local MP feels that action needs to take place. Horses have been left to wander on the verges of extremely busy roads, a matter that frequently occurs, leaving a threat of them walking into the exposed road. Not only does is this hazardous for them, but the issue could also create conflict with the public, according to The Member of Parliament for York Outer, Julian Sturdy.
There have been two serious car accidents on the A64 and the A166 recently, which resulted in two unregistered horses being killed, and several cars badly damaged with passengers and drivers severely injured and traumatised. A search was taken to find the owners responsible for the two horses, but unfortunately they were impossible to find. Both horses were not micro-chipped which is a legal requirement, as is the responsibility of each owner to own a passport of each horse they have.
MP Julian Sturdy, is undertaking this issue, and has tabled a Written Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in order to encourage action. In his written question he inquires what action the Government is taking in order to make sure that all horse owners are enforced into taking these legal requirements. He stated, “Where horses or their owners have acted in a dangerous manner, it is essential that there is proper accountability and consequences. At present, too many individuals believe that they can simply ignore the law with a common disregard for everyone else.” Mr Sturdy also wrote to Norman Baker, the Government Minister at the Department of Transport and the City of York Council to raise awareness of unregistered horses.
“It is also time for the City of York Council to buck up their ideas and take firm action to prevent the tethering of horses on highways in the first place. It is completely unacceptable to pander to any group who wishes to breach the law in this way and I have urged the Council to outline a full strategy to prevent further accidents and injuries occurring” Mr Sturdy stated.
Mr Sturdy believes that without a long-term strategy to deal with horses on highways then it is inevitable that more accidents will no doubt occur, possibly with potentiality serious consequences.
