REGULAR patrols could be brought in to solve the problem of straying animals in the Valleys.
Caerphilly county, with large tracts of common land next to communities, has had an historic problem with straying animals, particularly sheep, typified by the illustrations of the Echo’s legendary cartoonist Gren.
According to a new report, council officials say the straying is caused by poorly maintained and vandalised fences, as well as the difficulty in enclosing large areas of common land. The council’s animal trespass team patrols known “hot spot” areas and can respond – with a vehicle to collect the strays – at specific times when there is a problem.
Current charges for releasing strays are £40 per animal and a £22.50 daily charge, but only a few are subsequently collected, suggesting the value of the animal is less than the release charge.
Figures for 2007 and 2008 to date show 317 requests for the service, with 43 animals collected, only seven of which were reclaimed. Fifteen dead animals were also collected.