Fears over 100 stray city horses

Horses are roaming the streets of Cardiff

Court action may be taken against the owners of groups of horses roaming dangerously around the streets of Cardiff.

It is estimated more than 100 strays are wandering the city's streets.

One councillor wants anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) issued against the owners, who are believed to be members of the traveller community.

Cardiff Council says it is trying to tackle the problem after safety fears.

The St Mellons and Trowbridge areas of the city are worst affected, and councillor Ralph Cook said people were also frustrated by the damage the horses were causing to cars and property.

"Only last week a 12-year-old schoolgirl was chased by a horse as she walked home from school," he said.

You simply can't have horses, children, cars and gardens together without some kind of conflict Councillor Ralph Cook

"Another time, a woman had to throw herself and two children into a hedge when 15 horses bolted towards her after being scared by a motorbike.

"And a driver had to be hospitalised after a horse stepped in front of his car

Mr Cook said incidents were happening on a weekly basis.

"They damage cars when they scratch up against them, they tear up lawns and, during the mating season, the stallions fight causing more damage to cars and property.

"Something has got to be done about it - I think that we should be dealing with the individuals responsible and an Asbo is what I am calling for.

"You simply can't have horses, children, cars and gardens together without some kind of conflict.

"People want this problem sorted out," he added.

Micro-chipped

Cardiff Council has said that attempts are being made to control the horses.

"The council is working closely with the RSPCA and South Wales Police to address the situation of stray horses," a spokesman said.

"And we have been carrying out work to have these horses electronically micro-chipped so that we can better monitor the situation.

"If stray horses are seen in parks, open spaces or school playing fields, we urge residents to phone the police."

He said that over the last 12 months, 115 horses had been micro-chipped and another 35 impounded.