Havant travellers given reprieve after horse gives birth evicted as residents mare ends
Travellers were set to be evicted last month
Travellers who were given a reprieve from being ejected from land after a horse gave birth have finally been evicted - bringing an end to the “mare” suffered by residents.
The group on Portsmouth City Council land at Stockheath Common in Havant, was given their eviction notice on July 23 when it was discovered a mare had suddenly given birth.
“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 last month.
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.”
Now after nearly four weeks since the birth of the foal, the travellers have finally been ejected. “Bailiffs were on site earlier today (Monday) and the site is now clear of any unauthorised encampments,” the spokesperson said.