Semi-wild ponies that have roamed Dartmoor for over 4,000 years are at risk of being culled because of government livestock rules that fail to distinguish between ponies and sheep, according to sources at Natural England. The quango and MPs are urging the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to change its policy to protect the iconic breed.
Natural England has recommended destocking the moors by 76% to prevent overgrazing, which threatens rare birds and butterflies. However, sources say Defra's agri-environment schemes treat all livestock equally, meaning farmers are likely to reduce pony numbers rather than sheep, as sheep are more commercially valuable for meat. The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association warns the population could drop by up to 90% from its current level of fewer than 1,000, down from 7,000 in 1999.
Local MPs, including Steve Race (Labour, Exeter) and Caroline Voaden (Liberal Democrat, South Devon), are calling for a carve-out for ponies, arguing they are not livestock but an integral part of the ecosystem. Unlike sheep, ponies eat tough vegetation like molinia grass and gorse, which are smothering peat bogs and heather. A government-commissioned review in 2022 found ponies were 'invaluable for conservation grazing' and said Natural England should not take actions likely to reduce their numbers.
Defence minister Luke Pollard has written to Defra seeking a carve-out. MPs are meeting with Defra ministers next week to discuss the issue. Natural England has faced online abuse, including claims that its chair, Tony Juniper, wanted to personally kill ponies, which the quango denies.
