700 ponies killed on Dartmoor

Since we discovered that ear mutilations have been illegal for equines since 2007 we have become increasingly aware of the desperate situation facing ponies on Dartmoor. Thanks to our efforts the relevant authorities are now aware of the problem regarding ear mutilations and it is being dealt with at last. However, there are many other problems which are yet to be overcome.
Dartmoor ponies in particular are having a torrid time of it. This emotive article was published recently. (there were similar articles in other dailies )

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/11/dartmoor-ponies-slaughter-zoo-feeding-lions

There are many unanswered questions. If there are organisations that have been selectively breeding and promoting the ponies for years, how has the situation got so bad? There is clearly no demand for the ponies. We were once told that children in Ireland want the coloured ones for riding ponies! What rubbish - more likely that they end up as handbags on the continent.

As the welfare problem gains momentum more individuals and organisations are speaking out.

http://www.wildponies.info/ is a new website with some astonishing and shocking pictures and information particularly about ponies on the moors. It has links to other sites, articles and publications including http://www.equinerescuefrance.org/2010/11/and-the-ugly-2
This organisation has photographed live Dartmoor ponies in a sale at Maurs in the South of France. How did they end up there? It's not supposed to be possible.

people4ponies believes that it is unethical and immoral to use culling as a method of breeding control.

To send a message or ask a question, please click on the 'comments' link below

Coping with the snow

Woke up to find a heavy fall of snow today and it has been snowing on and off all day, but thawing at the same time so the level has been maintained.
I took a couple of pictures - our ducks are coping quite well with coming off the pond and over the snow for food. Here, they are dabbling corn out of the bowl. The black one is Mrs. Tucker, an Indian runner and the other one is Tufty Duck, a Saxony cross. They are both young females. You can see Mousey behind, and Ginger with her blue rug on.

Then I watched Mousey for a bit. She was using her nose as a snowplough, pushing and grazing alternately. I think she has had many years on Dartmoor to perfect this technique!

Late Night Shopping tomorrow at South Molton - a big event these days with lots of live music, a craft fair and other attractions including people4ponies. We will be in the Pannier Market with our fundraising stall. And probably our hot water bottles!

To send a message or ask a question, please click on the 'comments' link below