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<p>The Home Office does not collect this information. Decisions about the allocation
of police resources and deployment of officers are for Chief Constables and democratically
accountable PCCs. They are responsible for ensuring the needs of the local community
are met.</p><p>The Government is supporting the police to respond to changing demand
with an over £460m increase in total investment in the police system this financial
year, including an increase of around £280m in funding for Police & Crime Commissioners
through council tax precept. The Chancellor recognised in his Budget speech that the
police are under pressure from the changing nature of crime and that the Home Secretary
would review police spending power ahead of the 2019/20 police funding settlement.</p><p>Police
and local authorities have powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to investigate
animal welfare issues. We would not expect the police to deal with horse-related welfare
problems unless there was a public safety issue, such as horses loose on roads. Anyone
can bring a prosecution under the 2006 Act, and it is on this basis that the RSPCA
prosecute people for animal cruelty, including to horses.</p><p>In relation to the
unlawful placement of horses on other people’s land for grazing (fly-grazing), the
Control of Horses Act 2015 gives land owners powers to remove horses which have been
left on their land without their permission. If anyone is concerned about the welfare
of a horse in a field they can report it to the local authority who can investigate
under the 2006 Act or they can report it to the RPSCA or World Horse Welfare who will
also investigate.</p>
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