8:31am Friday 27th February 2009
By Rachel Wearmouth
POLICE rounded up dozens of horses after fears they could cause a major accident by straying onto nearby roads.
Officers swooped near Bishop Auckland early yesterday morning and moved the animals to a secret location in what is believed to have been the biggest operation of its kind in the UK.
The action came after reports of animals roaming loose on the A689 into Bishop Auckland, as well as into surrounding villages.
Two near-misses are among a spate of incidents that have caused concern for drivers.
In response, more than 50 officers from Durham Police sealed off an area near the village of Hunwick just after 5am to round up about 40 horses and 20 sheep from the 185-acre site.
A fleet of articulated lorries then transported the strays to the secret site as part of Operation Beausaddle.
The A689 road was closed until 9.30am and all traffic was diverted through Toronto.
Officers acting on the surge in complaints say irresponsible horse owners have refused to take notice of warnings.
The landowner, backed by Durham County Council, Wear Valley District Council, Durham Police and the RSPCA, evicted the herd using civil powers.
Chief Inspector Bill Dutton warned that further action was on the cards for other problem areas in County Durham.
He said: “Apart from the nuisance and time wasted in dealing with straying horses, their presence on the roads is an increasing hazard.
“Death is the very real potential cost of not acting.”
Owners will now need a horse “passport” to claim their animals and will have to pay a hefty fine.
Chief Insp Dutton said local people had simply had enough. “Notices were put up to warn horse owners to move their animals from this land and they were ignored,” he said. “Warning letters were sent out to local communities asking them to remove animals – none were taken away.
“I hope today’s action sends a strong warning to those irresponsible horse owners who think they can flout the law.”
MP for North-West Durham, Hilary Armstrong, has applauded Durham Police for the move. She said: “I am very pleased at the determination of the police to tackle the long-standing problem of stray horses.
“They are a menace to local people and this operation demonstrates that owners should take responsibility. If that doesn’t happen, there will be consequences.”
● Do you own the horses?
What do you think of the police action? Call The Northern Echo newsdesk on 01325-505065 or email newsdesk@nne.co.uk
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