Agencies are calling for help in gathering information following increased concerns about the welfare of ponies and other livestock on Bodmin Moor.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has co-ordinated a number of multi-organisation operations on the moor to deal with welfare problems. Partners including APHA, Devon & Cornwall Police, Bodmin Moor Commons Council (BMCC), Forestry Commission, Bodmin Moor Landowners, RSPCA, World Horse Welfare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Shire’s Holt and other charities and the Council’s Quality Standards and Animal Health Team work together to ensure that effective and targeted actions are taken in response to intelligence received.
These operations have already led to the removal and rehoming of a number of ponies. However, where no immediate welfare problems are detected, legally the ponies must be released back onto the moor.
Of those ponies removed from the moor, humanely destroyed or found dead, it has not been possible to determine ownership as they are not micro-chipped as currently required by legislation. Without being able to identify the owners, it is impossible to take further action.
Anyone with information regarding illegal grazing of the commons, the dumping of ponies or livestock or any other suspicious activities should contact APHA, Cornwall Council or Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Engagement Team.
Cornwall Council cabinet member for communities Geoff Brown said: “Better intelligence is the only route to effective enforcement; unfortunately unless we have substantial evidence as to the identity of those illegally grazing or moving animals or in-fact dumping ponies on the commons, it is very difficult to act and I would encourage anyone with information to contact one of the following numbers."
David Collins, Veterinary Head Field Delivery - South West at APHA, said: “During winter grazing periods APHA carries out regular pony welfare monitoring visits. The owners of animals are legally responsible for their welfare, but where issues are found we work with partner organisations to resolve them as speedily and safely as possible.”
Contact Points:
APHA 0300 0200 301 customeradvice@apha.gsi.gov.uk
Cornwall Council 0300 1234 191 (ask for duty Animal Health Inspector) animalhealth@cornwall.gov.uk
Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Engagement Team 101 or email
101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
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