Rules designed to stop people feeding New Forest ponies have been extended thanks to “universal support”.
The existing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) will remain in force for a further three years following approval from New Forest District Council cabinet members.
Speaking at the meeting on April 1, Cllr Dan Poole, portfolio holder for community, safety and wellbeing, said he is “very pleased” the council is proceeding with the extension.
“Despite what may be done to us by powers far, far away [in the future], this is something we can do now to protect and enhance our New Forest”, the Conservative councillor said.
The PSPOs prevent the lighting of fires and barbecues in the New Forest, and from people petting or feeding animals such as ponies and donkeys.
Last year, reality TV star Gemma Collins faced backlash after she posted pictures of herself hugging a New Forest pony.
Several signs telling people not to touch or feed ponies and donkeys can be found across car parks in the district.
But Liberal Democrat Cllr Malcolm Wade suggested that more could be done.
Attending the cabinet meeting, the councillor for Dibden and Dibden Purlieu said: “There is universal support for this.
“We are a tourist area, and consequently, people from all over the world visit us.
“As a council, maybe we could get in touch with tourist organisations to warn people in advance about this, as it is things that they may not consider.
“I’m suggesting that to help cement what is a very sensible strategy.”
The move comes after the council’s housing and communities overview and scrutiny panel recommended the renewal last month.
Speaking at the meeting, chair Cllr Steve Clarke said it should “be a matter of common sense”, adding: “But unfortunately, some members of the public perhaps don’t quite exercise the amount of common sense we would like them to.”
The PSPOs were introduced by the council in July 2023 using powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The extended PSPOs will now continue in their current form for a further three years until 2029.
Brian Byrne, community safety service manager at NFDC, said: “The New Forest is a unique landscape that is valued by residents and visitors alike.
“These rules help protect the Forest from the very real risk of wildfires and help safeguard the free-roaming animals that are such an important part of its character.”
Since the orders were introduced in 2023, officers and partner organisations have recorded 2,399 reports of behaviour that breached the rules, according to the council.
A consultation on extending the orders received more than 800 responses from the public, with 98 per cent supporting the continuation of the rules on fires and barbeques and 97 per cent supporting the continuation of the rules on feeding and petting animals.
