Luke Pollard "cautiously optimistic" Dartmoor Hill Pony cull will be averted

Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has expressed cautious optimism that a large-scale cull of Dartmoor Hill Ponies could be avoided this year following discussions with Ministers and campaigners. Luke advised that the new Labour government is reviewing policies inherited from the Conservatives, which raised widespread concerns about a potential cull of the ponies.

Earlier this year, fears of a cull emerged when the previous government failed to address concerns about farming policies that prevented farmers and landowners from securing funding to support the endangered ponies. The new farm support payments, which are crucial for the management of Dartmoor's commons, are not set to come into effect until 2025, intensifying concerns about the future of the Dartmoor Hill Ponies after this year's annual Pony Drift.

Campaigners have been calling for greater protections for the Dartmoor Hill Ponies, which are recognised as an endangered species by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association (DHPA) launched a petition earlier this year to "save" the ponies, which has garnered over 100,000 signatures. The DHPA warns that pony numbers have plummeted from 7,000 to just 900 over the past 25 years.

Luke discussed the cultural and environmental importance of the ponies, saying: "Ponies on the moor are an unforgettable hallmark of Dartmoor. It’s clear we need to take steps to protect this special breed, and I’ve been pleased to support campaigners on this issue. With the annual pony drift underway, numbers could be reduced due to the lack of support, leading to a cull well beyond what is necessary to control the population. I've spoken to Ministers and groups involved in the protection of ponies, and I'm cautiously optimistic that a solution has been found to avert a cull this year."

Charlotte Faulkner, Chair of the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, was grateful for the quick response from officials, saying: "The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association would like to thank the Farming Minister, Devon MPs, and Natural England for their focus and speedy action to ensure numbers of semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Ponies were not reduced this Drift time. We look forward to continuing to work with DEFRA and Natural England to ensure farming and environmental policy supports these rare and iconic ponies."

Councillor Charlotte Holloway also praised the government’s response, stating: "I'm delighted that Labour Ministers have listened to the concerns of key groups and residents across Devon who do not want to see a reduction in pony numbers. Dartmoor Hill Ponies are part of our natural heritage, and we want this genetically rare breed to be preserved for future generations."

The ponies, which have roamed Dartmoor since the Bronze Age, are a beloved and iconic sight on the upland commons, which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Campaigners are hopeful that with government support, the Dartmoor Hill Ponies can be safeguarded for the future.