Horse herd in need of owner

The Tablelands Livestock Health and Pest Authority is appealing to members of the public to claim ownership of 21 horses that were found unlawfully occupying a Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR) at Holmwood.

The herd of horses – which are currently being impounded at the reserve in a temporary pound under the direction of LHPA ranger Dennis Ferson – have been roaming the Holmwood reserve for the last month.

Tablelands LHPA general manager Tim Johnston said that while animals are permitted on stock reserves, it appeared the horses were dumped on the TSR.

"We are in the process of identifying the brands and marks of the horses and tracing the owners back through the registration of those animals with NSW Harness Racing," he said.

The Tablelands LHPA has placed photos of the horses on the LHPA website at www.lhpa.org.au/districts/tablelands.

Anyone who recognises the horses should contact their local LHPA office or phone LHPA ranger Dennis Ferson on 0407 013 628.

"The horses are impounded for a period of 14 days and after that time, and consideration of the applications of release, any remaining horses will be sold," Mr Johnston said.

Mr Johnston encourages anyone who has responsibility for the horses to contact Dennis or the Bathurst LHPA office on 6331 1377.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378