Dog owners told to keep pets on leads after horses are chased

Residents in Sible Hedingham regularly use the public footpath off Lamb Lane behind the Swan pub to walk their pets.

The footpath is open to the public but runs past private land, fields know as the Downey, which are home to a number of horses.

But a frustrated horse owner says dogs are let off their leads on the field almost daily which sees the pooches chase the horses which can be dangerous for both animals.

She said one of the horses had been attacked and injured by an out of control dog.

The woman, who asked not to be named but owns 12 horses on the field, said: “There is a public footpath through the private land but people go off the footpath daily, they allow their dogs to foul anywhere and everywhere.

Horses in the field are chased and somtimes attack by dogs in the village

“Dogs are seen daily off the leads. Dogs worrying and chasing the herd of horses is seen regularly.

“When dog owners are asked to put their dogs on leads, we are met with ignorance and abuse.

“We have had an elderly pony attacked in the field, she was left bleeding and in pain.

“The dog and owner left the fields, not making anyone aware of the incident.

Horses in the field are chased and somtimes attack by dogs in the village

“Dogs chasing horses, is extremely dangerous for both dogs and horses, a horse’s kick can kill a person, so a dog wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Equally a bite from a dog can cause serious injury, infection and can lead to a horse needing to be put to sleep. It’s also an expensive and heart breaking journey caused by dog walkers’ ignorance.

Other incidents include dog mess being left on the footpath, which can be toxic to horses, and damage to signs and fencing.

Now the owner is calling for tougher laws to control dogs and is asking dog owners to be more responsible.

She added: “Also a herd of 12 horses charging through a field, over a public footpath can put the public at risk.

“Horses can and will go through fencing to get away from what’s chasing them.

“Dog owners need to be more responsible and respectful, the horses are our much-loved pets.

“Some are elderly and have health conditions, we also have a yearling in the field.

“Heavier laws need to be brought into place for out of control dogs.”

“Since lockdown we have seen an influx of dog walkers, people walking and wandering around the field, feeding our animals, which is also another issue.

“Our horses should be allowed to graze in their fields without risk of being chased and injured by out of control dogs.”