The Control of Horses Act, 1996 was enacted to address problems caused by wandering horses in urban and rural areas and it contains a comprehensive range of measures aimed at controlling horses. Local authorities have extensive powers under the Act. Section 46 of the Act provides for a local authority to make by-laws for the control and welfare of horses in the whole or part of its functional area. By-laws made under this section may specify the manner in which a horse is to be kept under control by a person having charge or control of it in a public place, including on the open road or other place so as to prevent injury or nuisance to persons or damage to property.