Police horses patrolling the streets of Gloucester have been causing a stink for some people who are unhappy with the ‘presents’ they leave behind.

Shoppers and visitors to the city’s gate streets have complained about the animals being allowed to leave their mess on the public routes, while clearing dog mess is strictly enforced with hefty fines.

The police horses, on a year and a half trial, were introduced by the constabulary to help deal with anti-social behaviour during the evening economy as well as to improve the police's visibility.

The city council are responsible for clearing the mess and the police contact them when they are needed.

But it appears some are not happy about the delay inbetween.

The mounted police in Cheltenham

Sarah Louise Bannister, from Gloucester, said: “Why should the police get away with not cleaning it up while dog owners get fined for not picking it up?

“There are a lot of children about as it's school holidays so surely horse poo should be picked up.

“I just don't think it's fair dog owners would get fined but it's okay for the police to leave horse poo lying around and not get fined for it.”

Horse dung dropped on Southgate Street

There is no legislation obligating horse riders to clear any mess dropped on the road or path ways, but they are encouraged if safe to dismount and move it out of the way.

One of the reasons there is no enforcement is horse dung presents no risk to human health unlike dog poo.

A spokesman for Gloucestershie police said: “We have an agreement with Gloucester City Council where the officers in the mounted unit contact them and make them aware of any horse mess.”