LOCALS and visitors are being warned to the dangers of Dartmoor animals eating garden waste.

The call comes from Dartmoor livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie who wants people to understand how fatal garden waste is to moorland animals.

Ponies are especially prone to being drawn to garden waste being left on moorland sites and also to garden waste bags which are left out for collection.

‘Garden waste, mainly cuttings of privet, rhododendrons and grass, can prove fatal as they can ferment and the animals can get colic. The waste can give them a twisted gut and there is no coming back from that.

‘We have had a few cases of colic this summer.’

The warning comes from Karla and rangers of Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) who are aware that ponies, sheep and cows are increasingly being drawn to the road sides — with 122 animals so far this year being involved in road traffic accidents.

‘We need to stamp out anything that draws animals’ attention to the road sides,’ said Karla.

‘We need people to help and do what they can.

‘If you have a property that adjoins the commons then please put something on top of the bags or tie them up so the ponies can’t get access.

‘And please do not dump your garden waste on the moor and do not feed the ponies at any time.’

DNPA rangers have launched a new campaign asking people to follow their new ‘Love Moor Life’ campaign — it asks people to do six simple things: don’t feed the ponies, keep their dogs on leads, close gates, bag up litter and take it home, share roads and bridleways and use an official campsite for camping.

A spokesperson from Dartmoor National Park Authority said: ‘If ponies are getting access to garden waste then this will cause them harm.

‘Please make sure that it is closed so ponies, cows and sheep don’t get access — follow the ranger code and don’t feed the ponies.’

If anyone witnesses any problems with livestock on Dartmoor at any time, call Karla on 07873 587561.