New signs erected at Candelo Common outlining penalties for grazing animals there appear to be having little effect.
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![Candelo Common horses continue to frustrate community Candelo Common horses continue to frustrate community](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/38KKizhZLpuTDCkJAjRb34b/56d85dae-ea83-43a1-93a0-e83c9f92fa45.jpg/r0_0_533_960_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Reports of further incidents in the village's long-running saga with horses either tethered on the Crown Land or loose in the streets are being shared via social media and reported to local press.
Getting to the bottom of the issue is complicated further with the official ownership of the animals in question and the multiple agencies involved.
While the Common is Crown Land and comes under the management of the Department of Industry, the council or RSPCA are front of residents' minds when looking to make a report.
BVSC director community, environment and planning Alice Howe said management of uncontrolled stock "has been an ongoing issue in the Candelo area, and has involved action from a range of agencies including NSW Police, Council, Department of Industry, Local Land Services and the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals".
"Most recently, a matter relating to a large number of horses has been referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where it is currently subject to appeal," Ms Howe added.
"Council does not have any direct management responsibility for the Common...[but] we understand that owners of animals on the Common have been given notice to remove them."
RSPCA said it only gets involved if there are indications of animal cruelty, such as inappropriately tethered horses, or lack of access to water and food.
However, proving who owns a particular horse, or who is in charge of it at the time of reported incidents, can be troublesome in a way that is not encountered with microchipped dogs and cats for example.
RSPCA recommended people with concerns and evidence of possible cruelty report it for investigation.
For stock loose on public land such as local roads and council reserves, BVSC rangers are able to impound it.
"Should local residents become aware of loose stock around Candelo, they should contact the council on 6499 2222," Ms Howe said.
The Department of Industry - Lands said it would be investigating reports the land has again been accessed for unauthorised grazing in recent months.
A department spokesperson said the land was originally set aside as a 'common' in 1867, when the community used it to hold a milking cow, prior to the availability of fresh retail milk.
"Commons are still available for agisting 'commoners stock' but only if a functioning common trust board is in in place to properly manage the land.
"As there is no active common trust board in place, nobody is authorised to graze stock on the common without a formal approval from Crown land.
"The Department of Industry - Lands has taken compliance action to have horses removed from the common and has erected signs to outline prohibited activities including unauthorised grazing without an approval.
"The Department cannot comment further as the matter is subject to ongoing action."