Campaigners and government reject claims of forced Dartmoor pony 'cull'
Natural England says grazing cuts would protect habitats, but critics warn the plan could force the killing of up to 90% of ponies.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated on Tuesday the government "will not allow" a cull of Dartmoor ponies, directly addressing mounting public and political pressure over Natural England's new grazing contracts.
- Natural England's new agri-environmental schemes include ponies in livestock unit calculations, prompting fears farmers will prioritize commercial cattle and sheep over the semi-wild animals.
- The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association warns fewer than 1,000 ponies remain, down from 7,000 in 1999, despite their 4,500-year presence on the moor and previous grazing cuts that failed to boost biodiversity.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled the potential plans "total madness" and demanded the government overrule Natural England, while Labour MP Luke Pollard raised similar concerns about the proposed reductions.
- Defra stated it is working with partners to maintain pony numbers, while campaigners urge the government to await the Land Use Management Group's 2027 land use plan for long-term protection.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Claims of Dartmoor pony cull reignite row over how to save Britain’s moorlands
Steven F Granville/ShutterstockThe UK government has issued a denial after mounting speculation that 90% of Dartmoor hill ponies were to be culled. Speculation started over confusion around current grazing policy. So why have these animals been dragged into a political storm? Britain’s semi-wild pony herds should otherwise be a conservation success story. As concern grows over biodiversity loss and habitat degradation, these animals are increasi…
Keir Starmer 'will not allow' mass cull of Dartmoor ponies
Sir Keir Starmer "will not allow" a mass cull of Dartmoor's iconic wild ponies, which have inhabited the moorland for over 3,500 years.Campaigners have raised alarm that updated restrictions could result in the slaughter of as many as 93 per cent of the approximately 1,000 ponies currently roaming the national park.The Prime Minister's spokesman confirmed the decision today.The animals, cared for by local commoners who farm the land, have been e…
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