Safe and sound now: One of the horses being loaded into the MBPP horse float during an operation in Batu Ferringhi. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Unwell, injured and afraid, two horses were seized from an illegally built shed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) during an operation to curtail unauthorised horseback riding along Batu Ferringhi beach here.
One of the horses, a pony, readily entered the council’s horse float, while the other, appearing fearful and unwell, hesitated before going in.
MBPP enforcement director Noorazrein Noorazlan Ong said the two horses will be brought to the council’s veterinary centre for treatment.
The operation was meant to stop horseback riding activities in Batu Ferringhi, which has been banned since Sept 1.
“We received a complaint that horses are still being kept in illegal sheds in Batu Ferringhi with no proper drainage and waste flowing into the river next to it.
“The horse owner was given notice on July 19 to remove his horses and demolish the shed but failed to comply.
“So, we had no choice but to demolish the shed under Section 81(e) of the Local Government Act 1976.
“We also had no means to issue summonses as we did not have proof of ownership and there was no documentation on the horses and sheds.
“We could only tear down the shed and take the horses.”
Asked where the horses came from, Noorazrein believed they were from Penang Turf Club, adding that the horses had been there for about a year.
He added that it was difficult to catch the horses as the workers would ride off on them upon seeing the enforcement officers.
“We were told that the owner is local but the workers are usually foreigners.
“We believe there are three to four locations where horses are kept in Batu Ferringhi, including the kampung area.
“The operation will continue until we stop receiving complaints about the sighting of horses in Batu Ferringhi,” he said.
Commenting on the illegally built shed, MBPP veterinary officer Dr Tan Suan Heoh said it was unsuitable for the horses.
“The flooring and space of the shed have made it difficult for the large creatures. There is not much room to eat and the horses are exposed to the heat as the roof is badly built.
“One of the horses was injured as well,” she said.
