A charity dedicated to protecting ponies has sparked outrage by suggesting they should be eaten to save the species. Dartmoor Hill Pony Association put forward the suggestion 'with reluctance' as the best way to preserve herds on the ancient moorland. Founder Charlotte Faulkner believes herders will only continue to keep the animals if there is a 'sustainable market' for them. Unusual dish: Dartmoor Hill Pony Association founder Charlotte Faulkner with a plate full of roast Dartmoor pony meat on her farm in Devon Fancy eating a horse? The pony group has suggested that a viable market in pony meat (left) for human consumption is the only way to save the species. Sausages made out of pony meat are also pictured (right)
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Dartmoor Hill Pony Association put forward suggestion 'with reluctance'
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Dartmoor ponies are essential to ecology of 368 sq mi national park in Devon
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South West Equine Protection said it would never support breeding of animals for profit
In a letter proposing the idea sent to SWEP, she said: 'I am writing to ask whether @placeholder would consider giving measured support to this understandably upsetting subject, which as pony lovers we find so hard to accept.