Fair delays horse round-up over fears of clashes with travellers

A ROUND-UP of horses being grazed illegally in Hull is being delayed because of fears of potential clashes with travellers attending Hull Fair.

The city council announced last month it was to deploy a “professional horse impoundment company” to rein in dozens of horses tethered on public land or running loose on playing fields, highways and other amenities.

But the crackdown has been put back because of concerns travellers from the fair could turn out in force to assist owners in trying to prevent the animals being taken.

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Warning notices ordering owners to comply with the law are due to expire during the fair, which starts on Friday, and anyone who has a horse removed would have to pay a fee covering the costs of the impoundment to get them back.

The council said police would attend each impoundment to avoid a breach of the peace, but the increased risk of opposed seizures has put the operation on hold until the fair - the largest travelling fair in Europe - leaves town.

The horse population is likely to be increased by travellers working at the fair bringing their own animals, and an unofficial horse fair is due to be held near the Dairycoates pub, about a mile from the fairground, on Monday.

A council spokeswoman said: “Implementation of the round-up has been delayed in the short term due to the temporary increase in the number of horses in the city at this time of year.”

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The council said the horses were a “constant nuisance” and the cause of many complaints, with some being tethered in the front gardens of council properties.

Last year the authority said it had identified 18 sites where horses had been illegally tethered, and said action was needed to stop “deliberate, organised and targeted” damage to council property.

As well as causing damage they are threat to the public and road users, as well as being at risk of causing harm to themselves.

The animals removed will be treated humanely and transported to stables where they will be cared for until the owner claims them.

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If they are not claimed within a fortnight they may be sold.

Police yesterday announced plans to issue a “red card” to anyone behaving “in an inappropriate manner” at the fair, which will bar them from the Walton Street fairground for 48 hours. Anyone caught breaching the ban will be arrested.

Officers also released details of a nine-point code of conduct, put together with the council, listing behaviour that will trigger a red card.

This includes:

Drinking alcohol;

Selling unauthorised goods;

Dropping litter;

Using bicycles, roller blades, mini-scooters or roller skates;

Anti-social behaviour.

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They will also be deploying a device called “Alcoblow”, a non-contact breathalyser that can also detect if alcohol is present in a drinks container.

Inspector Andy Parsons from Humberside Police said: “We aim to police this event in a firm but fair manner and will be seeking to ensure that the public can come and thoroughly enjoy their visit in a safe and pleasant environment.

“We will not tolerate violent, disorderly or drunken behaviour that affects the enjoyment of others, or those working at the fair. By using the alcohol tester device we will also ensure those who try to sneak alcohol onto the alcohol free zone will be identified and dealt with.

“We will actively look for known trouble makers and anyone found stepping outside the parameters of law abiding behaviour can expect to be arrested or fined with a penalty notice for disorder of £80. At the very least they will be escorted from the area and given a notice not to return for a specified amount of time.”

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The force will be deploying high visibility patrols including mounted officers, and with partner agencies are also urging fairgoers to be respectful to residents to minimise disruption to those living around the site.

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