Large numbers of horses have been abandoned in publicly owned spaces, common land and private land. The majority of fly grazing incidents have occurred in Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend where local authorities, the police and charitable organisations are taking a very robust approach to dealing with the issue.

Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Alun Davies said: 

"The behaviour of those horse owners who seek to avoid their responsibilities through the practice of abandonment or fly grazing will not be tolerated anywhere in Wales.

"I would strongly advise landowners who find themselves victims of fly grazing to come forward and report incidents and any associated anti-social behaviour."

Mr Davies added:

"The extra funding will help meet the significant legal costs of prosecutions already in hand and planned against the perpetrators of fly grazing. The Welsh Government, working in close and effective partnership with the police, Local Authorities and welfare charities, is determined to deal with the problem, swiftly and robustly."

"This extra funding will help meet the legal elements of bringing prosecutions against the perpetrators of fly grazing and will serve as a deterrent to illegal horse trading."

Minister for Local Government and Communities, Carl Sargeant said: 

"The additional funding demonstrates the commitment of the Welsh Government to resolve the problem and encourage local authorities to put consistent and effective arrangements in place based on sound legal practice.

"Addressing the issue of fly grazing will reduce the demand on Local Authorities, the Fire and Rescue Service and other agencies responding to loose or trapped horses. There is a clear commitment and a willingness from all agencies involved to work together in a robust manner to deal with this problem."  

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