Ethical Equine and Animal Removal

Lawful Animal Removal that Puts Welfare First

Beyond the obvious concerns that come with fly-grazing and abandoned animals, the legal and ethical concerns can quickly get out of hand. One injured animal, person, or damaged boundary can become a serious problem that you are unfortunately liable for. They may not be your animals, but while they are on your land they become your legal responsibility.

We support landowners, developers, councils, and site managers with lawful and ethical animal removal. Our team includes experienced handlers who take the welfare of the animal seriously. From your first call to the final outcome, we will keep you updated and provide a clear record of events.

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The Legal Aspect of Animal Removal

Removing horses or other animals from land is not as simple as loading them up and moving them on. If you take the wrong steps, you risk doing something unlawful, and you can expose yourself to welfare or liability issues, especially if the owner comes forward. The correct route depends on what animals are present, where they are, and whether an owner can be identified.

• Control of Horses Act 2015: Horses, ponies, and donkeys can be detained immediately if they are on land without permission. Police must be notified within 24 hours, and statutory notices must be displayed. If the owner does not reclaim the animal and pay the costs within four working days, ownership can transfer and lawful removal can proceed.
• Animal Welfare Act 2006: While animals are detained, they must be cared for properly. That includes access to water and food, and appropriate action if an animal is injured or unwell. Failing to meet welfare standards can lead to legal consequences, even when the animal does not belong to you.
• Animals Act 1971: If livestock or other animals are involved, different rules can apply. Responsibility, liability, and the lawful route to removal may change depending on the type of animal and the risk or damage being caused. We can advise on the correct process before any action is taken.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial assessment and identification: We attend the site to assess risk, document the animals, and look for identifying details such as microchips or passports. This helps establish whether an owner can be traced and what the appropriate next step is.
2. Detention and securing the situation: We detain the animals on your behalf in a legal manner and help you secure the area. The priority is safety, control, and preventing further damage or risk.
3. Police notification and statutory notice: We handle the required police notification within the legal window and post the correct notices on site. The goal is to track down the owner and get in contact with them.
4. Welfare during the detention period: After detention, an owner has four working days to come forward. During this period, welfare obligations still apply. We can advise on what needs to be done to keep the animals safe and protect you from accusations of neglect, and provide health and welfare checks.
5. Removal and outcome: If the animals are claimed, the matter can resolve through the correct process, and the owner reimburses you in most cases. If not, ownership will most likely transfer to you. We can then arrange the appropriate next step such as rehoming or sale.
6. Documentation and reporting: You receive a clear record of what was found, what was done, and how the process was handled. This protects you if the situation is challenged later and provides a proper audit trail.

Every animal removal instruction is different. The number of animals, the condition and disposition of them, the type of land, and whether an owner can be identified all affect what we can legally do. We will keep you updated as the situation unfolds, so if you are unsure at any point, we are happy to advise.

Professional Presence and Proper Welfare

Equine removal can turn dangerous quickly. Horses are unpredictable when stressed, and a poorly handled attempt to move them can lead to injury, escape, or further damage to your land. On top of that, fly-grazing situations can attract conflict if an owner reappears on your land.

Able handles the on-site work with experienced equine handlers and a controlled, methodical approach. We use the right equipment and use it in compliance with safe loading and transport practices. If the animals are not fit to move, or the situation cannot be managed safely, we will always stop and strategise the best next step rather than forcing an unsafe situation.

Where rehoming is possible, we will take care of it from there. If not, we will explain why and explain the options. At the end of it all, we’ll make sure you have a full report of everything that took place and why, protecting your position from owner dispute.

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Case Study: Abandoned Pony Found in Land Repossession

During a land repossession in Plymouth, our team identified a small pony on site that had been abandoned by the occupiers. We secured the site, detained the pony, and made sure it had access to water and was kept comfortable.

Once it was clear that no one was returning to reclaim it, we arranged for the pony to be taken to a local rescue centre for quarantine, checks, and vaccinations. After it was given a clean bill of health, it was permanently rehomed with a loving new family.

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