A GROUP of campaigners are calling for greater action against owners who allow their animals to fly-graze, in the wake of the death of a foal in Cinderford.

So far at least 400 people have asked for Gloucestershire County Council to appoint a dedicated horse welfare officer and landowners to seize ‘neglected’ animals without notice.

Chancer was rescued from Crump Meadow on Christmas Day but died a week later.

One of the campaigners, who does not wish to be named, said: “Chancer was one of 10 ponies neglected by its owner.

“The field where he was rescued belongs to Severn Trent and when I recently walked past there were still ponies living in dire conditions. I’ve since been told at least four ponies have been moved.

“It shocks me that we don’t have a horse welfare officer to report concerns to. These animals are being allowed to suffer and I think Gloucestershire County Council should intervene to avoid a repeat incident like Chancer. They can no longer bury their head in the sand.

“People who heard of Chancer’s plight have been feeding the remaining ponies and providing hay.

“The second online petition calls for Severn Trent – as land owners – to serve notice and seize horses and ponies that have been left to illegally graze.

“Many people are still working to try and secure the safety of these ponies, and persuade the RSPCA and local authorities to put a stop to the cruelty. There is much social media coverage on this. These ponies still need help so we would urge anyone that has concerns about any ponies in their area to come forward.”

A spokesperson for Severn Trent said: “We were as shocked as our customers about the horses at Cinderford and worked with the council, the RSPCA and the police, at the time to check on their welfare.

“When we visited the horses they had water, food and blankets, and legally we couldn’t move them to another place, until we’d had an abandonment notice on the land for four working days, asking the owners to remove them. When we arrived to put the notice up the horses had already been removed.  

“We’d like to thank everyone who made us aware of this situation and assure them that we not only shared their concerns but also acted on them. We don’t know where the horses have been moved to or who owns them, so unfortunately we’re unable to take any further action.”

Stewart Edgar, chief fire officer and operations director at Gloucestershire County Council said: “We will consider any petition submitted to us. Both the county and district councils do have discretionary powers to detain abandoned horses – but they can only be exercised with permission of the landowner.”