Donation to help police catch loose horses

Police said the collars would make it easier and safer to handle loose horses

Police stations across Lincolnshire are being issued with head collars to help officers catch loose horses.

Lincolnshire Police has received a donation of 20 head collars and lead ropes from Bransby Horses, one of the UK's largest equine charities.

A police spokesperson said it would make it easier and safer to handle the animals.

The force said it had dealt with more than 130 incidents where horses had been reported loose over the past 12 months, posing a serious risk to road users.

The equipment would also be issued to rural crime response vehicles, police said.

PC Karen Irving, from the force's rural crime action team, said: "We've all been to jobs where we've used belts or similar to hold on to a horse.

"While crisps, or a packet of Polos, sometimes works, this equipment will help secure a horse and reduce the chance of things going wrong," she added.

Bransby Horses said the donation was part of its efforts to support Lincolnshire Police

The head collars, which were originally donated to Bransby Horses by Cobbs Country Store, near Newark, have QR codes which, when scanned, provide practical information on how to approach, catch and lead a horse safely, as well as useful contact information.

Bransby Horses said it was part of its efforts to support Lincolnshire Police with equine related incidents as they were unable to respond directly, only assist police.

PC Irving said the force was very grateful for the donation.

"We’ve talked about horse abandonment and other issues and this idea was brought up as a positive way to contain them and keep our colleagues safe," she added.

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