How a ‘massive blunder’ sparked fears of a mass Dartmoor pony cull

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePonies on Dartmoor (Getty/iStock)Concerns have been raised that Natural England's new agri-environmental schemes, which include semi-wild Dartmoor ponies in livestock counts, could force commoners to reduce pony numbers to meet grazing reduction targets, potentially leading to a cull. Lord Roborough, a Conservative peer, criticised Natural England's counting method as a "massive blunder" that could have disastrous consequences for graziers, while the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association warned commoners might prioritise commercial livestock over ponies. Lord Katz, a government ally, reassured the House of Lords that Dartmoor ponies are "safe under this Government," stating that Natural England has no power to recommend a cull and that the ponies are integral to Dartmoor's heritage and habitats. Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell affirmed that the government would not permit a cull, and Kemi Badenoch criticised Natural England's regulations as "weird" and having unintended consequences. Campaigners highlight that Dartmoor pony populations have significantly declined over the past 25 years, from 6,000 to fewer than 1,000, with Labour MP Steve Race attributing this reduction to Natural England's policies. In fullDartmoor ponies declared ‘safe’ by Starmer ally after Natural England ‘blunder’ led to cull fearsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Raccontata dadailymail.comspectator.comtheguardian.comindependent.co.uk