A CALL for support to open a rescue centre for Dartmoor ponies in the heart of the moor has been launched this week.
Teresa Patterson is appealing to the public for pledges of support for her proposal to run a centre looking after sick and injured ponies, to rehabilitate them and get them back to useful working life.
Her proposal for the centre has to be submitted to the Forestry Commission by the end of September, as the Commission owns the property that is the preferred site for the refuge.
Mrs Patterson said the project tackling the plight of ponies on the moor was close to her heart.
'I have always loved Dartmoor and ponies.
'It won't be a sanctuary where we keep ponies — I aim to get them out and back to working life or pet homes as soon as possible,' she said.
Mrs Patterson said the rescue centre was not going to be hugely expensive to operate, as she intended to run it herself, and support its work through fund-raising activity.
She has launched her appeal for pledges to gauge the public support and viability of the centre project.
She said the proposed site for the rescue centre was in an ideal spot in the middle of Dartmoor. The site used to operate as a badger rescue home.
Mrs Patterson said ultimately, she hoped by getting Dartmoor farmers involved, a proper management structure for animals on the moor could be encouraged, reducing the need for such a pony rescue centre.
David Wilde of Chilcotts Solicitors in Tavistock has agreed to receive pledges on behalf of the rescue centre campaign.
The address for anyone who wants to send a pledge is Chilcotts Solicitors, 10 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, PL19 8AY.