The latest Horsewatch information will be published here, with its source and whom to contact, when we have that information too.
January 28, 2009
Ifor Williams, locked trailer stolen from the house driveway in Towyn. Ifor Williams trailer stolen from St George, no further details.
Please see the following message from DI David Collings of Hampshire Police & Hampshire Horsewatch. Any further information will be put online at www.nfed.co.uk as soon as it becomes available.
Please forward this Email on to to all of your contacts with equine interests.
Many of you will be aware of e mails and text messages circulating concerning reports of 2 men of East European appearance allegedly taking photographs of horses possibly with the intent of stealing.
The initial and original reports concerning two vehicles being seen with 2 men of East European appearance originated from Derbyshire/ Nottingham area.
The vehicles are a White Van registration number N253 XAJ Red Land cruiser registration number B16 RBB
It is not confirmed or established what these men were doing or concerned in. Their activity is suspicious only and this is what needs to be explained.
As a result of the interest in the vehicles lines of enquiry are being undertaken.
The information was circulated via the Horsewatch network which through e mail and texting now covers virtually the UK. It would appear that as the information is passed on the senders have distorted and misrepresented it through their interpretation and this has been the cause of alarm and concern.
What is now happening is that anyone seen in "suspicious" circumstances near a horse is automatically East European when this is not the case. Unless the two vehicles are physically seen and registration number taken then there is no confirmation. Again a sighting of a white van or red car does not mean it is the vehicles circulated but rumour and suggestion merely exasperates the situation.
In this day and age we should all be aware of what goes on around us. Information circulated by Horsewatch Alliance is at times supplied from police sources and is aimed to inform and advise in order that members of the equine community can take steps to reduce, prevent crime as well as assist in detecting crime.
I hope this helps clarify the situation.
As always remain vigilant and report anything you consider suspicious. Community information is very important in trying to reduce, prevent and detect crime.
Hampshire Constabulary telephone number is 0845 045 45 45
In an emergency call 999
Regards - David
DI 23003 David Collings Serious and Organised Crime Unit & Force Equine Liaison Officer
Mobile 07867 972868
More Information 2008
Details shortly
Passports MUST be carried when transporting a horse in the following circumstances.
when a horse is moved into or out of Great Britain
when a horse is used for the purposes of competition
when a horse is moved to the premises of a new keeper
when a horse is presented at a slaughterhouse for slaughter
when a horse is sold
when a horse is used for breeding purposes
That is the same whether it is the owner transporting it or a professional. However, a professional transporter is more likely to be stopped en route which is why they may insist on a passport whatever the journey purpose.
Changes from July 1, 2009 The law will be changing as of July 1st this year and passports will then be required on ALL journeys (although emergency exceptions will be made). It will also be necessary to have the horse's passport within 3 hours of the horse when it is "temporarily moved on foot" (ie when you are out hacking.)
