Ponies in a UK beauty spot could be put to death under controversial Labour biodiversity plans that have been slammed as mad and disregarding scientific evidence. Critics have called for an immediate halt to the proposals, which could see semi-wild ponies on Dartmoor mass slaughtered.
Natural England's Proposals
Natural England, the government's environmental quango, has called for all livestock grazing on Dartmoor to be cut by around 75% to protect other habitats and species. The plans could see up to nine in 10 semi-wild ponies that graze on the moor culled as farmers prioritise cows and sheep to protect their livelihoods, according to reports.
Political Backlash
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said in a statement: This is total madness from another unaccountable quango. The government must overrule Natural England and stop it immediately. She added: Keir Starmer is on his way to making his last acts in office the shameful underfunding of our military and the mass slaughter of Dartmoor ponies.
Expert Criticism
Jos Hibbs, secretary of the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, also slammed the plans, warning that they disregard the scientific evidence. Natural England is putting ponies in direct competition with commercial livestock who pay the farmers' bills, she told The Times. This could decimate an endangered species that has been a feature of the landscape for over 4,500 years.
Endangered Status
Dartmoor ponies were classed as endangered by the United Nations in 2023, and currently number below 1,000, down from around 7,000 in 1999.
Natural England's Defense
Natural England defended the cull, which could begin as soon as October, by saying it was aimed at protecting and restoring designated habitats. A spokesperson added: We are aware of concerns that including ponies in livestock unit calculations could lead some land managers favouring more commercially profitable cattle or sheep. Our advisers work closely with individual agreement holders to provide tailored advice to improve nature and support businesses.
Government Response
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: In line with the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor, we are working with partners, including the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, to help ensure that we maintain numbers of semi-wild ponies on the Moor for generations to come.
