Local MP secures debate on tethered horses

In recent months local MP, Julian Sturdy, has been demanding that the City of York Council takes action to tackle the increasingly dangerous problem of illegally tethered horses around York.

A number of life threatening incidents have occurred whereby tethered horses have broken free and collided with cars and it is lucky that no human fatalities have yet occurred. Mr Sturdy is convinced that the Council’s lack of action on this issue is putting lives at risk and he has called on the Council to confiscate horses tethered in dangerous positions.

As part of his campaign, Mr Sturdy has been applying for a parliamentary debate on the matter and he has secured a Westminster Hall debate today (10-7-12) where he will again ask for robust action to be taken.

Speaking ahead of his debate, Mr Sturdy said:

“Over recent years the problems caused by illegally tethered horses, whether it be to innocent motorists, private landowners or farmers, have become an increasing source of frustration and indeed danger.

"It is appalling that little or no action has been taken by the local authorities who frankly seem too scared to act.

"In the vast majority of cases, the horses involved in these incidents belong to local traveller communities but, regardless of the sensitivities involved, no one should be above the law and unless action is taken, this situation threatens to get out of hand.”