A young colt found tied to a tree in an Essex village earlier this month (13 January) has been given a new home by a local resident.
The nine-month-old pony was tied so tightly he could hardly move. Round his neck was a sign saying: “My name is Peanut. I am unwanted and need a home.”
“Peanut was very wet and distressed when we found him,” said Stephanie Harris, chairman of Flitch Green parish council.
Mrs Harris kept the pony in her back garden until the horsebox arrived to take him to his new home. The person who has rehomed him wishes to remain anonymous.
Mrs Harris, a district councilor for Felsted said Peanut is the latest case in an ongoing problem of loose horses, which are believed to have come from the nearby travellers site run by Essex County Council.
“It has been a problem for six months, but reached a crisis point at Christmas. We have big horses roaming free in gardens, playgrounds and village greens,” said Mrs Harris.
The parish council has a Facebook page alerting people as to where the horses are in the neigbourhood.
Another two were rounded up this week by police and taken to a nearby equine rescue centre.
“The residents have now said enough is enough. We want Essex County Council to manage the site properly and to evict families that have horses,” said Mrs Harris.
“It’s been a disgrace. There has been an award-winning passing of the buck in dealing with the problem and only the villagers have done anything about it.”
An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the issue and are working with partner organisations and landowners to address it.
“Proof of actual ownership of the horses is key for any direct action and where they are on privately owned land, it is for the land owner to initiate this. However, we will do everything within our power to help resolve the situation.
“At this stage we are seeking to formally identify the owners of the horses and where appropriate issue warnings and share relevant information with interested agencies.”
