Overview

This bill amends the Animals Act 1971 to provide a legal framework for dealing with horses found on land in England without the owner's permission. It gives local authorities, landowners, and occupiers powers to detain stray horses, and clarifies liability for damages and expenses caused by these horses.

Description

The Control of Horses Bill introduces several key changes:

• Powers of Detention: Local authorities in England can detain horses found on public land without lawful authority, provided they have reasonable grounds to believe this is the case and obtain consent or have reasonable grounds to believe consent would be given from the land's lawful occupier. Landowners and occupiers also gain the power to detain horses on their private land without lawful authority.
• Detention Period and Consequences: Detained horses can be held for up to 96 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays). If the owner doesn't claim the horse and cover costs within this timeframe, ownership transfers to the person who detained it, and they can sell or dispose of the animal.
• Liability for Damages: The owner of a horse is responsible for any damage caused by it to land or property while it's on land without lawful authority, plus reasonable expenses incurred by those who detain it.
• Definitions: The definition of "horse" is expanded to include asses, mules, and hinnies. The term "public place" is defined to include common land, village greens, and highways.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly allocate any new government funding. However, local authorities may incur some costs associated with the detention and handling of stray horses. Any costs associated with enforcing the act would likely be absorbed within existing budgets. The actual financial impact is difficult to predict.

Groups Affected

• Local Authorities: Given new responsibilities for handling stray horses, potentially increasing their workload and expenses.
• Landowners and Occupiers: Gain legal powers to detain stray horses on their land but will also have increased responsibility for their care.
• Horse Owners: Face potential liability for damages and expenses incurred by their horses straying. Also, risk losing ownership of their horses if they fail to reclaim them in a timely manner and meet the required conditions.
• Police: May receive more reports regarding stray horses and may be involved in the process.

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