A Gentle Reminder: Dumped Food Puts New Forest Ponies at Risk
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One of the greatest pleasures of a day out in the New Forest is coming across the free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys grazing quietly by the roadside or out on the open heathland. Seeing these animals is a highlight for many visitors, but looking after their health requires a little care from all of us.
As reported by the Bournemouth Echo, a warning has been issued by the New Forest Awareness Facebook pageNew Forest Awareness Facebook page after fruit was found dumped in the forest, presumably left out as a treat for the livestock.
While leaving food out for the animals might seem like a kind gesture, doing so poses a genuine hazard to the ponies and cattle. Leftover food and dumped fruit can make the animals unwell and encourages them to hang around car parks and roadsides searching for hand-outs, putting them at greater risk from traffic.
If you are visiting the New Forest, the kindest thing you can do for the ponies is to enjoy watching them from a respectful distance and keep all food strictly for your own picnic.
