A striking picture of a newborn foal eating a dog poo bag on Plasterdown sent social media into a frenzy last week.

A foal was seen on the moors with a dog poo bag hanging from its mouth and was saved by a local walker who came to the pony’s aid.

The ‘outrageous’ incident occurred last Tuesday, May 14 and sparked anger with local residents and visitors to the area.

Witness Pam Clifford, and volunteer for The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony, posted pictures of the incident and praised the person who saved the pony from a potentially ‘fatal’ incident.

She used the opportunity to warn dog walkers of the dangers of not taking their dog poo bags home, or disposing of them correctly.

‘Please take your poo bags home — this photo shows the consequences of leaving poo bags on the moor which for this little foal could have been fatal if someone had not stepped in [to] grab the bag from its mouth.’

A few years ago, an advisory plea was issued to dog walkers that they must clear up after their animal in open air areas on Dartmoor and West Devon boundaries.

People have since taken notice and some are seen cleaning up after their pet, but not always taking the dog poo bag home with them, and leaving them in the hedges, bushes or out in the open.

Karla McKechnie, Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society officer, said that the incident last week was ‘outrageous’ but not a new problem.

‘Why do people bag the mess but don’t take the bag home with them or dispose of it in an appropriate bin?

‘We have young animals being born on the moor that are inquisitive and they will pick anything up that they see that looks different or has a different texture.

‘I would ask people to take heed and respect livestock and the area that you are walking on.’

Dartmoor is a working landscape providing grazing for cattle, sheep and ponies, both on the commons and in enclosed fields. 

Dartmoor National Park Authority asks that people are responsible and follows its Paws on Dartmoor advice, at www.dartmoor.gov.uk.

Karla added: ‘It is advised for owners to pick up after their dogs on Dartmoor as if dogs are not wormed regularly their mess can cause the death of lambs due to the worms canines carry.

‘Dog faeces also carries a parasite called Neospora which is the most common cause of bovine abortion.

‘Please respect Dartmoor and its livestock, it is a working landscape.’

If you witness an incident involving livestock call Karla immediately on 07873 587561.