The New Forest Commoners Defence Association has issued a new warning after a firefighter was pictured giving a pony water in his helmet.
The Wiltshire-based firefighter had been tackling a major wildfire off the A31 near Ringwood when he stopped to do the well-meaning gesture.
A photograph of him giving a New Forest pony water from his yellow helmet was posted on a fire station’s Facebook page – sparking a mixed response.
As previously reported by Wiltshire 999s, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service deleted the post and informed their crews of the rules of the national park.
In the New Forest it is an offence to feed or pet ponies and donkeys that free-roam – and breaches can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
Following the firefighter’s actions, the New Forest Commoners Defence Association issued a new warning – expressly telling people to “leave them alone”.
The statement reads: “Please do not leave out food or water for the ponies and other Commoners’ livestock.
“We understand everyone’s concerns for the Forest’s animals because of the wildfire near Ringwood and this sustained period of hot weather, however, please leave them alone.
“The ponies are well adapted to the Forest, and the older mares have a good knowledge of water and food sources and will lead the herds to the right spots.
“Petting and feeding of New Forest ponies and donkeys is not allowed and can lead to a fine.
“We are also facing an ongoing spread of equine flu, so anything that encourages ponies to congregate, such as leaving out food and water, is highly discouraged.
“The Agisters and Commoners are out regularly checking on the welfare of the livestock. If you see an injured, unwell, or distressed pony, cow or donkey, please contact the Verderers of the New Forest office.”
