Horses on Northampton Road, Higham Ferrers

Good afternoon everyone, 

We have been attending several reports of horses being in the carriageway on Northampton Road, Higham Ferrers. The horses are being kept in a field adjacent to that road, and after attending these reports we have discovered that the boundary to the field is not sufficient at keeping them inside. This has resulted in them escaping the field on a number of occasions, where Police have had to attend. 

The horses being in the road exposes road users and the horses themselves to a risk of harm, especially given the fields proximity to the A45. The owner of the horses has been identified and they have been issued with a Community Protection Warning Notice to secure the field, or alternatively move the horses to a more secure location. This is legislation under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act of 2014, and the steps us and partner agencies can take to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour is documented in the incremental approach, which I have attached a copy of. 

I know there will be people who are concerned with the welfare of the horses; I have made the RSPCA aware of the horses and the issues with them escaping the field, as they are the lead agency for animal welfare. If you have a concern about these or any other animals, you can make a report to the RSPCA online by clicking the following link: Report A Concern | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk

Kind regards, 

Callum

PC 764 Callum Hurst

Rushden

East Northants Neighbourhood Team