DRASTIC measures have been taken to address the problem of the growing number of tethered and abandoned horses across Cleveland.

The British Horse Society (BHS) organised a session earlier this month to geld 26 horses at Oaklands Vet Centre, in Yarm, near Stockton, as part of its Think Before You Breed campaign.

Earlier this year, concern over the problem resulted in the formation of the Cleveland Joint Equine Group by PC Mike Pilbeam, with support from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, the RSPCA, the BHS and housing associations.

An event in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, last month revealed the ownership of 26 horses out of 31 presented.

And the discovery resulted in all the animals from the Grangetown and South Bank areas, near Middlesbrough, being brought back earlier this month to be gelded (castrated).

RSPCA Inspector Ian Smith said: “It was an astonishing discovery – young lads from the housing estates have bought horses from the local travellers – often as foals. A few years down the line and these foals are now stallions and are causing havoc as they are often mishandled and breaking tethers to run loose on the estates.”

Regional development officer for the BHS in the North, Wendy Suddes, said: “We decided that with the breeding season upon us and warm weather perhaps just around the corner, we should act promptly to start dealing with this bizarre situation.”

A team of volunteer vets, led by Lesley Barwise-Munro from the Alnorthumbria practice in Northumberland, with Liam Gamble from Oaklands Vet Centre, along with Ben Sturgeon and Kerrie Wynstanley from Castle Vets in Durham, agreed to take on the challenge.

Miss Suddes added: “The majority of owners here have bought horses in ignorance – with little or no knowledge and limited funds.

“The welfare of the horses is a priority and the Joint Equine Group members are very proactive and keen to find acceptable longterm solutions to a thankfully rather unique situation.”

The original scheme was launched in response to police being called to more than 2,000 horse-related incidents last year.