The agencies rounded up a total of 34 ponies, of which 22 were of sufficient concern to be removed and re-homed to local rescue centres.

Agencies unite to assess over 30 ill and suffering animals

Over 30 ponies have been rescued from Bodmin Moor after concerns were raised about their welfare.

A one-day operation last week saw a multitude of agencies, including Redwings, the RSPCA and the APHA, collect, assess and rescue ill and suffering ponies on parts of the Moor.

They were called in by Bodmin Moor Commons Council in a bid to tackle the increasing problem of ill and suffering ponies.

Concerns were raised after reports from the public that horses were being left to die on the Moor and little was being done to help them.

The agencies rounded up a total of 34 ponies, of which 22 were of sufficient concern to be removed and re-homed to local rescue centres.

One pony suffering from a disfigured foot was euthanised, while the remainder were deemed to be healthy enough to go back onto the Moor.

Speaking to local newspaper The Plymouth Herald, Redwing’s head of welfare Nic de Brauwere said: “It is clear there is a big challenge in bringing about long-term improvements for the management of ponies on Bodmin Moor.

"The Moor has the potential for native ponies to thrive, but these animals will always need human support – whether that be to compensate for limited grazing as a result of severe weather, ensure parasite and infectious disease control, or attending to unexpected problems such as injury or illness.”

"Indeed, our hope for the future of the ponies of Bodmin Moor is for them to have a natural life, but also to be familiarised with people so they can be supported with veterinary and routine healthcare when required. We also believe the balance of stallions and mares needs to be urgently addressed on the Moor.

"This vision can only become a reality with the cooperation of everyone with rights to graze their ponies on the Moor, and this is why we fully support the newly established Bodmin Moor Commons Council and their development of management plans that work for the commoners, the land and the animals."

The Bodmin Moor Commons Council was established earlier this year (1 March) to ensure the safe future of ponies living on the Moor.

Other organisations involved in the rescue were World Horse Welfare, local rescue organisation Shires Holt, local landowners and the police.

Image (C) Steve Daniels