ERT Blog

It’s equally unethical and unpleasant, both for the animals and the landowners. It’s obviously dangerous for horses who might wander onto roads, or end up in other distressing situations. And it is a huge nuisance for landowners, who may not know how to remove these animals and reclaim the land which is rightfully theirs.

What is Fly Grazing?

When a horse (or any animal) is allowed by its owner to graze on land without the permission of the landowner, this is known as FLY GRAZING. This includes horses belonging to owners who had been given permission to keep their horse(s) there at first, but the agreement with the landowner has come to an end. It’s effectively the same as a tenant remaining at a property after their rental agreement with the landlord has come to an end.

Fly grazing differs from abandonment, which is when a horse (or any animal) is deliberately left somewhere by their owner and therefore ‘abandoned’. Horses that are fly-grazed may become abandonment cases if they are left for a period of time that risks unnecessary suffering, or if an owner does not come forward to claim them when given notice to do so.

Why is Fly Grazing a Problem?

The problems that come with fly grazing impact the animals themselves, the landowners and also the public. For example, if a horse or group of horses is left on a public park it poses a threat to the general public as well as the property around it. All of this damage adds up and has a cost too, whether it’s the landowner or the council having to foot the bill.

Whether wandering onto roads due to being grazed on land with inadequate fencing or breaking through the boundary having been kept on land with insufficient food and water, traffic accidents caused by straying horses have devastating effects.

Not to mention, it’s extremely cruel on the horses that are left there to graze (and in many cases are abandoned too). Horses which are not cared for properly can quickly become sick. If they are completely abandoned, there is a risk they won’t be able to find the right source of forage and nutrition, and in the worst case scenario die of starvation.

When horses are left in unsuitable places that they are not used to, they are also at risk of injuring themselves as the areas may not have been checked over for safe grazing.

Fly Grazing & Abandoned Horse Removal

If you are the landowner, you’ll likely want fly grazing horses removed as soon as possible to reclaim your land. As well as all the damage that the animals will cause to your land, since you’re the landowner you are legally responsible for the welfare of an animal whilst it is illegally grazing on your property.