- A dispute has arisen over the future of Dartmoor's endangered hill ponies due to new conservation measures proposed by Natural England.
- Campaigners fear that Natural England's agri-environmental schemes, which include ponies in livestock counts, could lead to a 90 per cent reduction in the semi-wild population and potentially necessitate a cull.
- The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association warns that these measures would force commoners, who have rights to put livestock on the commons of the moor, to choose between commercial livestock and ponies – threatening the breed's 4,500-year presence and their role in maintaining biodiversity.
- Despite concerns from campaigners and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, a Downing Street spokesperson has stated that a cull of Dartmoor ponies will not be permitted by the government.
- Both Downing Street and Defra have affirmed their commitment to maintaining the Dartmoor pony population for future generations, denying that Natural England has recommended or has the power to order a cull.
IN FULL
Fears for future of Dartmoor’s iconic ponies under new conservation rules
