www.nfed.co.uk

Officers from the Park Gate West Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) are offering advice to horse owners in Titchfield.

The advice is being issued following three incidents in August where horses have been found with cut marks.

The incidents have taken place between Sunday August 5 and Monday August 13 in Fontley Road, Titchfield and Lavey’s Lane, Titchfield.

There have also been two reports of electrical fencing being damaged around paddocks overnight on Wednesday, August 8 in the Titchfield area.

Sgt Aaron Freemantle from the Park Gate West SNT said: “Attacks on horses are very rare but we always take reports such as these seriously. It is important to establish whether a crime has taken place and if so to take appropriate action to prevent further incidents and locate those responsible.

“I would appeal to members of the public and horse owners to report any activity they deem to be suspicious in the vicinity of horse paddocks and for horse owners to review their security.

“There is advice below for horse owners who can also make contact with their local SNT or Crime Prevention Officer for further information.”

• Take colour photographs of your animal in the winter and again in the summer, from both sides, head on and tail.
• If there is a distinctive mark or scar, take a close-up photo.
• Photograph the "chestnuts". You will then have a comprehensive record of your horse.
• Get your horse freeze-marked or have a microchip implanted.
• Ensure you have a passport for your horse. This is a legal requirement.
• If reporting a horse-related incident, please use terminology that can be easily understood.
• Ensure that your fences and hedges are in a good state of repair and do not provide easy access for the thief. Have a look around your premises and ask yourself if it could be made more secure.
• Hampshire Constabulary has an active Horse Watch scheme which provides advice on crime prevention measures http://www.nfed.co.uk/horsewatch.htm

Sadly another horse, a foal, was reported to have a cut on its rump and this was also in the Fareham area. This occurred overnight 12/13th August. This is also being investigated.
All aspects as to the reason why the horses are being attacked is being looked into.

Face Book media and as with all public media comments should be read with an open mind. Misinformation and general gossip can inflame a situation creating consternation and fear of crime..

A man has been arrested and interviewed concerning the incidents and is currently on police bail pending further enquiries. This arrest is just part of the ongoing investigation where elimination as well as implication into the crimes is a matter of course.

It would be nice to think that there will be no further "attacks" on horses but sadly one can never say never so there has to be the possibility that further incidents will take place. The first line of defence has to remain with the horse owner to prevent and deter. This is unfortunately not easy to implement as the majority of horses are kept in the open and are not easy to protect.

I know colleagues are prioritising efforts to identify the person/s responsible.

Any injuries discovered to horses should be reported to the police so that they can investigate the circumstances. Horse owners who do discover an injury should also seek veterinary assistance to the wound. Not only is this relevent for animal welfare but may also assist evidentially.

Should anyone have information that may lead to the identification of the person/s responsible then they should contact Hampshire Constabulary by dialling 101 or alternatively contact Crime Stoppers anonoymously on 0800 555111

David Collings