The Exmoor ponies were put in the National Trust owned fields near Southwick Hill as part of a grazing conservation scheme.
The animals were being managed by the Sussex Pony and Grazing Conservation Trust.
Bosses had said they were excited about being asked to help with the conservation of the South Downs.
Of course, we can all see where
this is going, can't we? And sure enough...
However, at the end of last week the animals were moved from the fields, which are near Mile Oak.
Anna Bogg, from the Sussex Pony and Grazing Conservation Trust, said the decision had not been taken lightly.
She said: “We have been seriously concerned by some of the irresponsible behaviour we have witnessed from dog owners, parents of young children and adults in this short time period.
“We are further worried by other evidence and stories we have been given of incidents past and present, concerning the treatment of livestock on this site.
“People have no understanding that they are wild – you need to keep a distance and it’s illegal to take your dog off the lead.
“There are signs that say that but they got taken down and the gates were left open in protest.
“People’s dogs were chasing the ponies around and they were laughing about it.”
And idiots like Monbiot think
'rewilding' will save the world?
Parts of the world are already feral enough
ReplyDeleteIf they are treated the same as livestock I would be more than happy to go up their with the landowners permission and shoot these dogs harassing the animals. If they aren't then they need to put in a couple to make it all legal.
ReplyDeleteBogg-standard grammar too - was it the ponies or the dogs which were laughing about it?
ReplyDeleteI hear that large areas of Europe are to be returned to the wild. Already scientists are reverse breeding Aurochs. Perhaps we could ask for a few for the South Downs.
ReplyDelete"Parts of the world are already feral enough"
ReplyDeleteI can see wild beasts in the park by my house.
And in the papershop, and the garage...
"If they are treated the same as livestock I would be more than happy to go up their with the landowners permission and shoot these dogs harassing the animals."
They are. So maybe what the charity needs to do is hire some people? *whistles theme from 'The Magnificent Seven'*
"Already scientists are reverse breeding Aurochs. Perhaps we could ask for a few for the South Downs."
I'd love to see you average 'Staffie-cross' take one on!