Feeding New Forest ponies still a fineable offence

Forestry England is urging people to remember not to touch or feed free-roaming donkeys and ponies in the New Forest

People are being urged to remember not to feed or touch free-roaming ponies and donkeys in the New Forest.

Forestry England has released a fresh warning to members of the public.

It comes almost a year after New Forest District Council made it a fineable offence by introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

In the first three months, rangers intervened in more than 120 incidents where the animals were being pet or fed, according to authority figures.

Anyone feeding or petting the animals could face a fine

Two PSPOs were introduced in July 2023 after a series of injuries to the public and several animals dying after being fed human food.

Both are still enforceable, with the first prohibiting feeding and petting ponies or donkeys, and the second aiming to protect the forest from wildfires by banning BBQs and fires.

Anyone carrying out these activities is liable for a fixed penalty fine of £100, rising to £1,000 following a successful prosecution.

Charlotte Belcher, from Forestry England, said: "When we speak to people feeding or petting ponies, they often think it's not doing any harm and that, as it's something they have always done, it must be ok. Neither is the case.

"These are wild animals and getting too close poses risks to them and the public. This is why these new rules are in place. To keep everyone safe, please enjoy watching these animals from a distance and let them get on with their important job of grazing and looking after the forest."

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