Horse owners warned to follow the rules

24 March 2015

Taupo District Council is warning horse owners to follow the rules or risk having their animals impounded following a spate of incidents in Turangi.

Earlier this month a wandering horse was hit by a car near Tokaanu which could have had fatal consequences. There have also been numerous reports of horses being tethered in reserves for extended periods, resulting in large piles of poo being left behind and fields being damaged.

Finance, regulatory and infrastructure group manager Alan Menhennet said the council was prepared to take a hard line with horse owners not acting responsibly.

It is coming up to one of the busiest times of the year in Turangi with the colours festival at Easter and the last thing we want is someone to end up hurt or killed because a horse has been left to wander around the streets, he said.

We are also heading into winter sports season so we want our fields and reserves in tip top shape for everyone to enjoy.

Horses could be impounded if they were found to be trespassing, creating a nuisance, causing damage or posing a risk to the general public. It was also the horse owner's responsibility to clean up any mess left behind.

The good news is that if everyone does there bit it doesn't have to come to that, said Mr Menhennet.

Let's all work together to make sure that is only a last resort.

END

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz