Tethered or 'fly grazing' horses

We are able to deal with horses tethered on public land and action can be taken to remove horses using the Animal Health Act 1971 as amended by the Control of Horses Act 2015.

As we do not have our own stabling, this would usually require a bailiff to remove the horse. This is extremely costly to the council and ultimately this will usually result in the demise of the horse. Therefore, it is our preferred approach to make owners aware that their horse(s) need to be removed. We do this by responding to information that has been provided on the owner or vehicles they may use by complainants or publicising details of the horse(s) on social media and appealing for information in the wider community.  

Each case is assessed on an individual basis, and on occasion, the solution that offers the best value to the taxpayer of Gateshead may be just to offer advice or allow the horse(s) to remain in situ for a short duration.  

We don't have a legal duty to deal with horses on private land. It's a decision for the landowner as to whether action should be taken.

If there's a problem with horses on the highway causing an immediate risk to motorists, call the Police using 999.

If you wish to report the welfare of a horse, report this to the RSPCA (opens new window) or World Horse Welfare (opens new window).

If you wish to report a horse which is tethered or fly grazing on public land, please contact us.