Police are urging owners to check their fencing after a horse was killed in a collision on the M18 yesterday (20 February).
Officers said they had received a high number of reports of loose equines in the stormy weather and one such incident caused a horse to be fatally injured.
Six horses were loose on the M18 by junction 6, near Thorne, Doncaster, at 1.20am on Sunday, and one horse was killed in a collision with a vehicle.
Earlier last week, Nottinghamshire Police Horse Watch advised those looking after equines to make regular checks of their boundaries and repair any damage to minimise the risk of escapes.
They said it was dangers for both horses and other road users once the animals roam onto public highways.
“This week we have had a high number of calls in regards to loose horses, resulting in horses being in the road,” said a spokesman for the force.
“It looks like high winds and awful weather have been responsible, causing fences to be blown down allowing horses to roam free.
“We are advising, that if you haven’t already, then during this bad weather, please make regular checks on the condition of your boundaries and fencing to ensure and minimise the chances of an escape.”
The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends that fencing should be inspected daily.
“When selecting any fencing ensure it is safe and sufficiently strong,” the BHS website states. “It is important to note that if your horse escapes from their pasture because of inadequate or unsafe field boundaries you may be liable for any damage caused. Be cautious where hedgerows are used as the sole boundary as they can become weak and require reinforcement.”
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