The number of illegally grazing horses in York has fallen by 87%, following the council's action to tackle this problem.
The City of York Council decided to clamp down on illegally tethered horses on council land due to concerns over the horses’ welfare and the potential for road traffic collisions.
The new policy means if an illegally-tethered horse is not removed from council land within 14 days, the horse is impounded.
Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, cabinet member for homes and safer communities, said: ‘I’m delighted with the positive impact of this work whose primary objective is the safety of motorists, pedestrians and tethered horses. In accordance with a joint protocol, we will continue with this successful course of action, and to work with horse and land owners, the Police, RSCPA and the National Farmers Union (NFU) to promote best practice around tethered horses.
‘Work will also continue with the RSPCA and horse welfare charities to develop micro chipping options and look at opportunities for a re-homing service.’
Since the council implemented the new action, 48 notices were issued for illegally-tethered horses. In the first month, 23 horses were discovered by contractors, but this has now fallen to between two-four a month.
