The horses escaping from the field to the north of Mayford Common have presented a real problem for people during the past few months and the aggressive behaviour of one in particular has resulting in some shocking and scary incidents. Thank you to those who've let Ayesha know about your experiences.
As a result of those, on Wednesday 1st February, Woking Borough Council seized a horse from Smarts Heath Common under The Animals Act 1971 & Control of Horses Act 2015. This was following a visit by officers from Environmental Health.
While at Smarts Heath the horse was witnessed to follow individuals and make attempts to chase dogs. It was also witnessed rearing up on its hind legs. Given this behaviour it was agreed that the horse posed an immediate risk to public and it was removed and taken to a stable that afternoon.
The legislation only allows 96 hours from the time of seizure to detain the horse and in this time attempts to identify the owner had to be made, along with other criteria such as the notices attached to each of the entrances to Smarts Heath Common. Enquiries identified the owner and once all costs incurred by the council had been met, the law requires it to return the animal to their owner.
Cllr Ayesha Azad said: "The owner was served with a Community Protection Notice Written Warning, stating what actions must be undertaken to prevent the horse from escaping. Officers have been back to where the horse is being kept and are happy that the horse cannot escape at this moment.
"But I would encourage anyone that sees any escaped horses to report it immediately so that the owner can be contacted to deal with it. The council can then continue to deal with this through the Community Protection route, which seems to be the best way."
