Natural England and a group of MPs are calling on the UK government to change its livestock regulations to prevent the culling of semi-wild ponies on Dartmoor. The ponies, which have roamed the moor for over 4,000 years, are uniquely adapted to the boggy landscape but are currently at risk due to a legal loophole that classifies them as livestock, subject to strict movement and slaughter rules.
The issue arose after a proposal to cull a number of ponies was put forward, citing overpopulation and damage to the fragile ecosystem. However, conservationists argue that the ponies are an integral part of Dartmoor's heritage and biodiversity, and that culling would be unnecessary if the rules were updated to allow for more flexible management, such as relocation or adoption.
According to a report by the BBC on June 16, 2026, the government is considering the request, with a decision expected within weeks. The ponies are currently protected under the Dartmoor Commons Act, but the livestock classification complicates efforts to manage their numbers humanely.
