Havant travellers served notice to leave get stay of execution - after horse gives birth
Three traveller groups have been in Havant borough
A group of travellers served notice to be moved on in Havant have been given a stay of execution - after a horse gave birth.
As reported, there were three unlawful encampments in the borough, two of them being on Havant Borough Council land at Scratchface Lane, Bedhampton, and Legion Field, Hayling Island. The third is on Portsmouth City Council land at Stockheath Common.
Attempts to move on the groups had been delayed after court was said to be “extremely busy”. However, the first two groups have now been forced to leave.
But efforts to remove the final encampment on Portsmouth City Council land has now been delayed due to the unusual circumstances, despite the travellers being served with a notice to leave. “While officers were on site serving the notice, they were made aware that one of the horses at the encampment had given birth,” a Havant Borough Council spokesperson said.
The spokesperson continued: “Animal welfare officers from Havant Borough Council attended the site and confirmed this and the landowner, Portsmouth City Council, was informed.
“Working on the instruction of the landowner, Havant Borough Council has been asked that no action is taken to enforce the order until a vet has checked both animals, and it is safe for them to travel.
“We have also spoken with the bailiffs, who have advised that their policy is not to act until the foal is at least seven days old.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and work with the landowner and relevant partners to ensure the matter is managed appropriately.”