Natural England and MPs call for rule change to stop Dartmoor pony cull
Key takeaways
- There are fewer than 1,000 Dartmoor hill ponies on the moor, down from about 7,000 at the turn of the century, according to the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association.
- Prefer the Guardian on GoogleNatural England and MPs are urging the government to change its livestock rules to stop ponies on Dartmoor from being culled.
- Semi-wild ponies have roamed Dartmoor for more than 4,000 years and have become uniquely suited to the boggy landscape, providing a charming sight for those who visit the national park.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
There are fewer than 1,000 Dartmoor hill ponies on the moor, down from about 7,000 at the turn of the century, according to the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association. Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian View image in fullscreen There are fewer than 1,000 Dartmoor hill ponies on the moor, down from about 7,000 at the turn of the century, according to the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association. Photograph: Jim Wileman/The Guardian Dartmoor Dartmoor pony cull proposal prompts urgent call for livestock rule change Exclusive: Sources say Defra drafted policy on livestock fails to distinguish between ponies and sheep
Prefer the Guardian on GoogleNatural England and MPs are urging the government to change its livestock rules to stop ponies on Dartmoor from being culled.
Semi-wild ponies have roamed Dartmoor for more than 4,000 years and have become uniquely suited to the boggy landscape, providing a charming sight for those who visit the national park.