YORK’S horse bailiff will start tackling the problems of animals tethered illegally on roadside verges on February 3.
Steve Waddington, assistant director of housing and community safety, announced the date to councillors.
The bailiff will have the power to move horses off council land and City of York Council is hoping he will also meet landowners and farmers to help them tackle the problem of horses using fields without permission.
Mr Waddington told the community safety overview and scrutiny committe the council will not provide money towards dealing with horses on private land, but will deal with horses tethered illegally on council land and verges.
The bailiff will be part of a two-pronged policy towards the illegal tethering that has led to accidents as horses break free and stray on to roads.
The policy also includes the council working with the RSPCA where horses’ welfare is an issue. In recent months the charity has prosecuted several horse owners
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