The New Forest Commoners Defence Association, which is a voluntary organisation established more than 100 years ago to protect the animals that stroll totally free through the forest, says that dogs terrorising animals and frightening nesting birds is on the increase at the national forest.
Andrew Norton, a farmer and chairman of the group, said: “It’s definitely becoming more of a problem nationally, and certainly here in the forest.
“The bulk are great, it’s simply a little minority that triggers the issues.”
‘It does not matter how adorable your dog is – put it on a lead’
He included: “It does not matter how adorable and fluffy your dog is, it will go after if animals flee from it. I believe it’s an in-bred pack impulse, and individuals require to be familiar with it. If you encounter animals while out walking, please put your dog on a lead and provide a broad berth.
“There can be great deals of foals around at this time of year which will be running around having a good time, and there is likewise a risk of dogs frightening nesting birds. People require to be practical.”
The professional photographer who recorded the event was walking in the forest with 3 good friends when he saw a dog gone out from the woods towards a grazing pony.
The professional photographer, who did not wish to be called, said: “The dog approached the pony and actually began barking at it.
“We believe it may have been an Australian livestock dog, a breed that bites at the ankles of animals to make them move. The pony moving got the dog more thrilled and it began barking and barking at it.
“Eventually the owners came by really nonchalantly and after a while, handled to get the dog away. The entire event lasted 5 minutes, it needs to have been 5 minutes of fear for the pony.”
Herd animals have roamed free in the New Forest since the end of the last Ice Age. There are presently about 3,000 livestock and 5,000 ponies strolling totally free. They have actually been launched on to the open heathland by the New Forest citizens.
The event follows an NFU Mutual study of 1,100 dog owners discovered 2 thirds of owners (64 percent) let their dog stroll off-lead in the countryside.
Mr Norton included: “The New Forest is substantial, there’s lots of space here for everybody. Luckily the mare included is okay and she didn’t require any veterinarian treatment, New Forest ponies are difficult.”
Earlier this year, New Forest district council authorized an order criminalising feeding the wild ponies, horses, mules and donkeys strolling the forest after main suggestions to not feed the animals was being disregarded.
