Letters: Of course the King would be fined for petting ponies – but he‘s not stupid

In response to the letter that Mr Grant had published (A&T 18th Jul), I think that the King would indeed be fined if he were to pet any of the commoners’ stock on the Forest.

But the point is, he is not a stupid man and he would heed the advice to steer clear of the animals as they are deemed as semi-feral and not trained to cope with human interaction.

The New Forest is famous for it’s ‘wild’ ponies and at no time has the New Forest been considered to be a safe petting zoo. I think it may be true that some people benefit from seeing and touching pets but animals that are taken into care homes for instance are fully trained, trustworthy and certified to be used in this way.

New Forest animals roam freely and as such are not trained and certainly not to be trusted. So, while looking at the animals from a safe distance may play a part in helping one’s mental health, interaction with them might result in compromising your physical health resulting in a visit to A&E!

My advice, as all the signage in the Forest will tell you, is not to touch or feed any of the animals out on the Forest for both their safety and yours.

After all, if you went on safari in Africa would you ask to cuddle a lion just because you want to?

Lucie Rowe

Totton

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I DON’T think I have ever seen such an ill informed and ridiculous letter as that entitled ‘Why not enjoy the animals?’ written by Richard Grant (A&T 18th Jul).

Clearly Mr Grant is not aware of the New Forest Code, the Public Spaces Protection Order and above all the fact that pony/donkey/cattle deaths are already well into double figures this year.

Interacting with livestock encourages them into car parks and on to the roads, where accidents are sadly inevitable.

These animals are turned out on to the Forest as a way of life, but are nevertheless all owned and cared for.

Would Mr Grant walk into someone’s garden to stroke and feed a pet dog or cat? Would he walk into stables or cattle sheds to stroke the inhabitants?

And finally, when Mr Grant next exercises what he deems is his right to pet other people’s livestock, I trust he will accept the fleas, ticks and lice which will readily embrace him, not to mention the kicks and bites from mares protecting their foals from his kind attention.

Elizabeth Downs

Hordle