Feeding ponies is illegal

Road signs are being put up at key sites on the moor warning people not to feed the animals which are drawn to roadside areas where visitors gather.

The South West Equine Protection Society says that at least eight ponies have been hit over the past two months.

Four were either killed outright or injured so badly that they have had to be destroyed.

Many ponies also fall ill after being fed by visitors.

Rob Steemson from the Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: "It's a particular problem during the summer months with people having picnics and barbecues around the area.

"People are tempted to feed the ponies, but it is illegal under the Dartmoor National Park Authorities by-laws.

"We are in the process of putting up some very high visibility signs in the peak areas in an attempt to stop the problem."