FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2022
Mornington Shire Council (“Council”) wishes to advise the community that it will be seizing all horses that are found wandering at large and impounding them at Council’s Horse Enclosure Area.
Mustering will be carried out by duly Authorised Persons of Council until all wondering horses are impounded.
During the mustering period, commencing Monday 21 November 2022, the community is asked to keep their gates closed and strongly advised against going near these horses at any time as they may display very dangerous behaviour.
It should be noted that any horse found wandering in the community that is considered dangerous and cannot be controlled, is able to be disposed of by Council as it considers appropriate in the circumstances. Once impounded, and where the owner of a horse can be identified, the owner will be notified by Council in accordance with its Local Laws.
Horse Owners will be required to reclaim their horse within 3 business days (“the Prescribed Period”) and if seeking to keep the horse, will need to agree to water and feed such horse within Council’s Horse Enclosure Area or the horse will be forfeited to Council.
Where an owner cannot be located, and/or any impounded horses are not reclaimed with the Prescribed Period, Council can choose how to dispose of the animal.
Council will consider the appropriate rehoming of horses as a potential method of disposal and will be undertaking an expression of interest process for any persons interested in potentially rehoming any unclaimed horses and able to meet Council’s requirements.
Additionally, Council’s Local Laws require that all male horses must be desexed unless otherwise approved by the Acting Chief Executive Officer. Council will take such action as is necessary to have horse owners comply with this requirement.
Any person found trespassing in the Council’s Horse Enclosure will be prosecuted.
ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
MORNINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL
