Remaining stray horses seized by Sandwell Council

All of the roaming horses plaguing Sandwell's streets have been seized following a nine-month operation, council bosses announced today.

The authority has been trying to catch the animals amid complaints they have caused traffic problems and injury to pedestrians.

Four horses had proven elusive but have now been rounded up on a field in Jubilee Park, off Powis Avenue, Tipton.

Councillor Derek Rowley, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for safer neighbourhoods, said; "We're obviously pleased. These horses present the biggest risk to ordinary pedestrians and I'm amazed there has been no serious injury."

The quartet were found grazing together on a small patch of grass, allowing council officers to build temporary fencing around them.

Councillor Rowley said: "We managed to tempt the first three into the trailer relatively easily with hay and oats but the fourth one recognised it was a trap. He would not initially be coaxed in and kept galloping off."

Sandwell Council launched the campaign to catch what were originally 10 roaming horses in May.

The animals have been causing a headache for residents and motorists, with a disabled man being knocked out of his electric wheelchair and a baby being knocked from its pram by the horses.