The Welsh government has passed a Bill tabled in the autumn to tackle the problem of 'fly grazing' – leaving animals (principally horses) on land without permission to fend for themselves. The Control of Horses (Wales) Bill will allow local authorities to seize, impound, and return horses to their owner if they are found on land without consent.

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The bill was tabled in October in response to concerns raised by farmers, who said the grazing or abandoning of horses on private land is a major issue in Wales, and that landowners often bear the brunt of problems arising from it.

Welsh Natural Resources minister Alun Davies said earlier this week that the Bill would lead to more responsible management of horses and better welfare. The new legislation will go for royal assent before it comes into force.

Speaking about the new measures, Alun Davies said, "Fly grazing and the abandonment of horses and ponies has had a truly shocking impact on communities across parts of South Wales over recent years. The Welsh Government is determined to take action to address this problem.

"This legislation promotes more responsible ownership and management of horses and allows for early and swift intervention when horses are abandoned or left on land without consent. It offers an all-Wales solution and will allow local authorities to deliver a consistent and robust approach to removing the nuisance of fly grazing from our communities."

The Minister added that local authorities, charities, the Police and Welsh Government should continue to work together as closely and effectively as possible to tackle the issue.

Lynn Cutress, Chief Executive at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, commented in October, "Having seen first-hand the devastating impact of fly grazing in Wales, we are delighted that the Welsh Government has taken such decisive action on this problem. We hope the new Bill will strongly discourage horse owners from using such a disgraceful and illegal practice, which often has grave consequences for the horses involved."

In November, around 30 MPs met in Westminster to discuss fly grazing, which local authorities in England claim they are struggling to tackle. Mr Davies urged his counterparts in England to come up with similar measures to bring fly grazing to an end.