‘Horrified’ ferry staff find five dead horses in lorry
PIC: APEX 15/04/2013 Dozens of ponies have starved to death and others have been shot dead due to poor health on a beauty spot it has been claimed. At least two of the animals died while giving birth on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and many others were found extremely emaciated, according to Bodmin Moor Commoners' group which represents landlords. It is not known who owns the animals. Julie Dowton, secretary of Bodmin Moor Commoners', said it was horrific. She said eight of the ponies were shot dead due to poor health by animal health, three by farmers and the others have died from starving to death. "It is an appalling situation," she said. "The whole Bodmin Moor farming community is absolutely appalled that it has happened and we now have to look at how we are going to clear it up." She said that the majority of animals on the moor were looked after responsibly but that during the last year ponies had been continually dumped there from elsewhere. "We have some wonderful farmers who really look after their animals but unfortunately in this part of the moor something has gone wrong," she said. "We cannot identify the owners, the ponies have no markings on them." This picture shows a group of ponies that were discovered at the weekend. ** SEE STORY BY APEX NEWS - 01392 823144 ** ---------------------------------------------------- APEX NEWS & PICTURES NEWS DESK: 01392 823144 PICTURE DESK: 01392 823145
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