By LOUISE BOYLE

Trapped: A pet pony is kept in a front garden in fear of being seized by bailiffs after a council crackdown in Tipton

Horse lovers are battling their local council over the long-standing tradition of keeping horses tethered on public land near their homes.

Sandwell Council has been employing bailiffs to remove stray horses and charging owners who want them back in Tipton in the West Midlands.

The council has defended its measures, saying it is in the interest of public safety. The local authority estimated there are up to 60 horses grazing or left untethered in Tipton and up to ten roaming free.


Horse owner Steve Bradwich stands next to his horse, one of many horses tethered on land that may be seized by bailiffs

Several horses have been spotted in a park, which includes a children's play area and is a popular spot with parents and toddlers.

Bailiffs have been issuing enforcement notices to owners which gives people 24 hours to remove their animals or face having them impounded.

Horse owners have defended the tradition and are set to protest against the council by staging a ‘horse drive’.


Tradition: Horse lovers in Tipton are battling the council over the local practice of keeping their horses tethered on public land near their homes

Locals claim the practice has been passed down through the generations.

It is believed to have begun in the age of the canal when many local men used their horses to tow barges through the Black Country, an area of heavy industry.


My lovely horse: Owner Steve Bradwich stands next to his horse, one of many horses tethered on land that may be seized by bailiffs


Hungry horses: The council has been rounding up the animals in Tipton after they said that many are grazing illegally


source: dailymail