EFRA committee support for fly-grazing bill welcomed by Countryside Alliance

The Countryside Alliance welcomes the Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee's support for proposed changes in the law to tackle the illegal fly-grazing of horses.

The Control of Horses Bill, tabled by the Member of Parliament for York Outer Julian Sturdy, is currently progressing through Parliament and will be examined in detail by a committee of MPs in coming weeks.

Countryside Alliance executive chairman Barney White-Spunner, said: "Fly grazing and loose horses are a very serious problem and cause great misery to those individuals, businesses and authorities on whose land they are dumped. There is also great concern for the welfare of horses mistreated in this way.

"If this Bill is passed it will be a significant step forward for animal welfare and landowners' rights, allowing them to take action to remove horses from their land at a much earlier stage. The Government must ensure sufficient parliamentary time so the Bill reaches the Statute Book before the end of this Parliament."

For more information, contact Countryside Alliance head of media Charlotte Cooper on 0207 8409220 and 07500 834163 or email [email protected]