HIGH-TECH wizardry is to be used in a pioneering pilot project to solve an equine problem which has plagued the region for years.

The North-East has one of the worst reputations in the country for its tethered horses.

Countless animals are left in fields, or staked out on verges next to busy main roads, in extreme weather conditions without adequate food or water.

Some manage to slip their tethers and run wild, causing chaos on roads and presenting a danger to motorists.

Today, the RSPCA launches the first scheme of its kind to combat a problem which in recent times has seen two horses killed in accidents which also left motorists shocked and injured.

Hartlepool has been chosen to pilot the project, which is then expected to be implemented throughout the rest of the country if it is successful.

Under the initiative, horse owners will be offered free identification microchips which will be fitted to horses grazing on Hartlepool Borough Council land.

The tiny electronic tags are injected under the skin of the animal. These can then be scanned using a special machine which reveals the complete history of the horse - including ownership details.

It means the police, council, RSPCA or International League for the Protection of Horses can quickly identify the owner of the animal if it is sick, injured, involved in an accident or is being neglected. In addition, if the animal is stolen it can easily be identified.

The Northern Echo's Animal Watch campaign has highlighted many horses left with insufficient food and water.

Cleveland Police have received 122 calls this year from people concerned about tethered horses straying.

RSPCA chief inspector Neil Mitchell said: "There is a vital need to address welfare standards and address public safety issues.