An animal centre is looking to find 'loving, forever homes' for all of its ponies and donkeys after announcing its closure.
The Miniature Pony Centre near Moretonhampstead on Dartmoor is selling animals that will need to be rehomed once the centre shuts its doors to the public for the final time.
According to Devon Live, the tourist attraction announced it had 'no choice' but to close, as the cost-of-living crisis rocketed costs and prevented families from affording days out. It also faced closure in 2019 but survived 'by the skin of its teeth', before Covid then created further challenges for the centre.
The centre is home to approximately 80 equines, according to its website. Visitors will have one final chance to say goodbye to their four-legged friends during the February half-term.
However, the news did little to comfort many Devon locals, as the announcement prompted an outpouring of shock and locals who have loved visiting the attraction for over 30 years.
The Miniature Pony Centre's most recent Facebook post said: “Thank you to everyone who has sent us such kind and wonderful messages. The response has been overwhelming. We can't respond to all of you, but we are extremely grateful.
"The centre has been going for 37 years and will be a huge loss to the area and the South West. We are currently still looking after all of our animals and getting ready to see you all in February half-term.
"All our ponies and donkeys will be sold to loving, forever homes. If you are interested in purchasing a pony, please email us at enquiries@miniatureponycentre.com. Please do not PM us."
They added: "If you have already emailed us, please bear with us! We have a huge amount of emails regarding the animals and we will be in touch with everyone in due course. As always, our care and love for the animals comes first and we work hard everyday to ensure this is the case.
"We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible during February half-term."
The centre will open from Saturday, February 11, to Saturday, February 18. Anyone wanting to visit is asked to 'simply turn up' during the week stated, as 'booking forms online have not yet been sorted.' Then the centre will ensure that all of its animals go to 'the best, most loving homes.'
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