Jack, neither a canal towpath nor a public golf course are common land - they are private property. Even true common land is not free-for-all - only those who have grazing rights are allowed to graze animals on them.

Nomadic movement with horses won't be affected by this act (although if travellers are camping on land then different powers will be used to remove them). Abandoning animals while the owners travel elsewhere certainly will be, but since this could put both the animals and the public at risk then it certainly should be controlled. The previous laws were ineffective which is why this legislation was introducded. Why should travellers be above the law?

Most perpetrators are not gypsies or travellers, and as has already been pointed out the Gypsy Council doesn't see this law as aimed at them.