Political parties unite to condemn any cull of Dartmoor hill ponies

The Government and former prime minister insisted they do not support a cull, but campaigners await confirmation

- By ELEANOR JONES

THE former prime minister, Defra and Natural England insist they would not support a cull of Dartmoor hill ponies - but campaigners say they are not safe until new contracts are confirmed in writing.

H&H reported that the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony feared up to 90% of the 1,000 ponies remaining on the moors may have to be culled as a result of new Government stocking density contracts (news, 11 June).

The story has since attracted national attention and the leaders of the Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform have for once united to condemn any attempt at culling.

Before his resignation on 22 June, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson said: “Let me be very clear on this: this Government will not allow a cull of Dartmoor ponies and we don’t manage pony populations by culling in this country.