A PROPOSED new law offers hope of tackling a “crisis” of stray horses in Hampshire, an MP says.

Caroline Nokes said the backbench Bill – allowing councils to seize stray horses in public places – would “remove ambiguities and consolidate powers”.

The Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North said Hampshire has an estimated 5,000 fly-grazed horses and ponies, a total second only to Surrey.

And she warned that ever-rising costs to keep a horse responsibly – up to £10,000 a year – had created a “welfare crisis” for charities, as long ago as 2008.

Ms Nokes told ministers: “Rescue centres were already struggling to cope. Wind the clock forward five-plus years and the situation is much worse.

“The numbers are much higher, the cost of feed has gone up and charities that were previously struggling to cope have now gone beyond breaking point.”

Ms Nokes referred to an incident at Braishfield, earlier this year, when a large number of ponies escaped and caused damage to the famous Harold Hillier gardens and arboretum.

And she added: “If we find a horse or pony loose, they are very tricky to identify.

“Local authorities simply do not have the resources or the expertise to be matching fields of feral horses to what in many cases is non-existent documentation.”

Under the Control of Horses Bill, which will now be examined in detail in committee, councils will also be able to impose charges on the owners of horses for any damage done.

Julian Sturdy, the York Outer MP who brought it forward, said: “This issue is a cause of deep anger and frustration for many individuals up and down the country, who want to see robust action taken.”

Ms Nokes added: “What we all want from this Bill is greater clarity for local authorities, so that they can more easily detain, secure and dispose of animals that are causing a hazard and being illegally grazed.

“Also, importantly, a presumption that, if you can find them, the owner of the horse will be liable for damage and all associated costs.”

The MP also revealed how social media had allowed the tracing of a “loose pony on the A36 trunk road”, which she had taken home.

Ms Nokes said: “I looked at this beast. It was very sweet, but I did not want to keep it or have the costs associated with doing so.

“Once the mugshot of the offending pony was plastered all over Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat the owner recognised the wandering criminal, came forward, collected it and took it home.”