FLY-GRAZING and horse welfare will be the subject of a hearing held by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.

The committee, chaired by Anne McIntosh, MP for Thirsk, Malton and Filey, will take evidence on Wednesday.

Horse fly-grazing is the practice of leaving horses to graze on public or private land without the permission of the owner or occupier of the land.

“It contributes to poor horse welfare and also creates social, economic and environmental harm in affected communities,” said Miss McIntosh.

“Additional issues of public safety may arise if flygrazed horses stray onto public highways or other hazardous sites.

“This evidence session will explore the nature of the problem, the factors driving it, and potential solutions.”

Witnesses appearing include: Lord de Mauley, Defra parliamentary under secretary; David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs; Lee Hackett, director of equine policy, British Horse Society; and Roly Owers, chief executive, World Horse Welfare.

They will be followed by Henry Robinson, CLA president; Minette Batters, NFU deputy president; and Steven Gale, Stockton borough council’s animal health and welfare officer.

Traveller witnesses include: Joseph Jones, Gypsy Council spokesman; Bill Forrester, chairman National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers; and John Grant, spokesman, Traveller and Animal Welfare Issues.