NEW anti-fly grazing legislation has met with a mixed reception from long time campaigner Andrew RT Davies.

A bill that allows local authorities more powers to tackle the illegal grazing of horses on private land has been passed by the Welsh Government, and looks set to become law early next year.

AM and Vale resident Andrew RT Davies has pushed for a change to the law for more than two years, calling for stiff penalties for anyone found to be mistreating animals by grazing them illegally.

Mr Davies has said that the bill is a big step forward but also that the new legislation is far from complete.

"We are obviously pleased that this bill has now passed," he said. "Indeed I have long been calling for action from the Welsh Government on the issue of fly grazing.

“This piece of legislation is not going to be a magic pill, however.

"There is still work to be done and the bill does contain some missed opportunities."

Mr Davies said that he was disappointed to not see compulsory micro-chipping of grazing animals included in the bill.

He explained: "Not only would this have reduced the likelihood of repeat occurrences, it would have saved resources and made it easier to identify an animal’s owners.

“I would also have liked to see a duty placed on local authorities to remove animals, rather than a power as in the legislation.

"This important distinction would have clarified the situation and reduced the burden on police who are repeatedly required to attend locations with no powers, direct expertise or stabling facilities to enable seizure."