Visitors to a national park face fines of up to £1,000 if they are caught petting its famous ponies. The animals roam freely around the New Forest in Hampshire meaning they are semi-feral - but "anti-social" day-trippers have been pestering them and feeding them inappropriate snacks including crisps.
The new measures have been approved by New Forest District Council. People also risk fines for petting other animals living in the park and for setting camp fires and barbecues. The rules are out of concern for their well-being and to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
One member of the public who responded to a survey on the proposals wrote: “Ponies and donkeys that have been fed by members of the public (are) becoming more aggressive in seeking food from people because they become conditioned to expect feeding.”
