Abandoned horses removed from land (From Watford Observer)

Abandoned horses removed from land in Leavesden

10:30am Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A group of horses left on a piece of land owned by Warner Bros in Leavesden have now been removed following an abandonment notice issued by the film studios.

It is thought the five horses which have been on private land owned by Warner Bros Studios in Ashfield, just near the A405 since January, were moved by their owners last night (Tuesday).

This comes after an abandonment was issued by the film studios, which stated the legal owner had to remove the horses by January 30 under Section 7 of the Animals Act 1971, or Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 or they would be "re-homed, sold or humanely destroyed".

Since the group of horses, including a foal, had appeared, Emma Hickey-Smith had taken to visiting them every day with her friend Lucy Sewitt, to ensure they were fed hay and apples and had fresh water.

The 27-year-old said: "It is gutting to know the horses have been removed because we are now unsure how they are.

"Me and Lucy have been feeling a bit lost. It is just the feeling of not knowing if they are now in a safe place and being looked after. We just hope they receive the love and care they deserve".

Ms Hickey-Smith added she was overwhelmed by all the support from residents, who continued to visit the horses and make food donations after the pair set up a Facebook page called Help the Leavesden horses to gain support and awareness.

She said: "Everyone has been great and the horses have touched so many of us. We will keep our facebook page up because of all the support it has gained."