EQUINE protection volunteers created a make-shift barrier to protect moorland ponies after a lorry load of poisonous plants was dumped in Yelverton last week. South West Equine Protection (SWEP) was called out to the old Aerodrome on Thursday, after receiving a call about a large amount of garden rubbish being dumped on the moor, with ponies consuming toxic plant waste. West Devon Borough Council was informed, but SWEP said it was not possible to remove the rubbish until after the weekend, potentially endangering the livestock in the area. As SWEP did not have the resources to remove such a large amount, the only precaution the charity could take was to improvise a barrier to deter any livestock from coming to harm. A spokesperson for the charity said due to equines having a complex digestive system, they were unable to vomit to reduce the toxic waste in their stomach. They said equines have a one-way valve from the oesophagus down into the stomach which does not allow anything to pass back through to the mouth. When a pony eats toxic waste such as garden waste, the pony's stomach will start to bloat and the pony is unable to release the pressure, so the stomach ruptures and the animal will die. The spokesperson said: 'A pony which has ingested toxic plant waste can show many symptoms, which may include colic-like symptoms, loss of muscle control, disorientation, dilated pupils and eventually become a fatality. 'Toxic plant waste can include things such as garden produce, tomato and potato leaves, grass cuttings, laurel and rhododendron bushes. 'The best idea is to not dump anything at all on the moorland and instead stick it in garden waste bags and dispose of it in the correct manner. 'Fly tipping is an offence. Please do not discard any waste on the moor as it is a hazard to all the livestock. Should you get caught this could land you with a heavy fine and conviction. 'If you see anyone carrying out this act please contact police on 101 with as much information as possible.' Dartmoor Livestock Protection officer Karla McKechnie said: 'Any garden waste can be absolutely lethal to ponies. 'The worst thing is, some people think they are doing a good thing by feeding the ponies but it's actually very dangerous. 'Unfortunately the ponies can also get a taste for eating something different too — and it can also affect the foals, as it passes through the mother's milk.' If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of ponies, contact SWEP anonymously through the website http://www.swep.org.uk">www.swep.org.uk or you can email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 07717311251. Any welfare issues regarding moorland animals can be reported to livestock protecton officer Karla McKechnie on 07873 587561.