speeding motorists on Dartmoor ? some topping 100mph ? are causing animal deaths and injuries, says the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society. The injuries and deaths occur on unfenced roads, says the society in its annual report. It comes at a time when stocking levels are at their lowest ever. Speed visors, funded by the DLPS, have recorded an average of one person a day exceeding 100mph, with speeds as high as 118mph, almost double the national speed limit. The DLPS said: ?Effective speed controls must be introduced, particularly if we are looking to maintain more stock on the moor to control the unwelcome scrub growth and to ensure some profitability in farming for the future.? The DLPS is working with police to try and resolve the problem: ?We understand speed traps will be introduced shortly. Our work with the police over the speeding problem and other matters was encouraged by a suggestion from a member at our last AGM, upon which we were very pleased to act.? Insp Ian Milligan, of Tavistock Police, added: ?We encourage drivers to be not only thinking of other road users but to think for animal safety as well.? Joining forces with the Dartmoor Society, the DLPS succeeded in a request for a sign at Peak Hill, reading: ?20 animals killed last year in next two miles.? Farmers have erected their own signs on Statts Bridge and on the B3212 between Dousland and Princetown in a bid to prevent further losses to their livestock. Marion Saunders, chairman of the DLPS said: ?We would like to see a greater police presence on the moor to control speeding and enforce the speed limit. This could be in the form of more highly visible speed traps. We appreciate that, not just here but across the country, police resources are thinly spread.? The need to report injured animals is particularly important. Mrs Saunders said: ?Please report any injured animal, at all times, immediately. Contact the DLPS, the police or if you know the farmer the animal belongs to, contact them. ?Be as specific as you can with the animal?s location, a grid reference would be especially useful. Also, try to make a note of any colour markings or ear tags the animal may have.? DLPS produces an emergency help card that can be downloaded from http://www.dlps.org.uk">www.dlps.org.uk The card provides information on what to do if an animal is injured.
