Row over potential cull of Dartmoor hill ponies
Summary
There is a disagreement over new government plans that could reduce the number of Dartmoor hill ponies by as much as 90%. Natural England, the government agency, says it wants to protect the ponies, but campaigners warn that new rules on grazing could force farmers to choose other livestock and harm the pony population.Key Facts
- Dartmoor hill ponies have lived on the moor for 4,500 years but their numbers have dropped from 6,000 to less than 1,000 in 25 years.
- New government contracts require cutting livestock grazing on Dartmoor commons, possibly reducing ponies by up to 90%.
- Natural England includes ponies in livestock counts for a new conservation payment scheme aimed at protecting nature.
- Campaigners say the scheme forces farmers to choose between keeping ponies or more profitable sheep and cattle.
- The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association warns the plan could destroy pony numbers and harm farms financially.
- The government says it will not allow a cull (killing) of the ponies and that the animals are safe.
- Critics say cuts to livestock have not improved the environment in the past.
- A land use group is working on a plan for Dartmoor’s future to be completed in 2027.
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