Sugar-addict ponies 'resorting to violence'

Warnings have been issued in Somerset about a herd of "sugar crazed" ponies willing to bite and butt walkers to get to their sweet treats.

The wild ponies in Quantock Hills have apparently been raised on leftover picnics and sweets from well-meaning visitors. Now they have "resorted to violence in order to satisfy their sugary urges", says the Daily Telegraph.

According to authorities in Bridgwater, the animals even broke one woman's leg. "Others have been spotted getting unusually aggressive with each other as they battle over biscuits, chocolate and other treats left behind by unsuspecting tourists," says the Telegraph.

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A spokesman for the Quantock Pony Commoners Association warned visitors: "Feeding the ponies is dangerous. By feeding the Quantock ponies you are changing their behaviour and encouraging them to become aggressive.

"There have been recent cases of a pony breaking someone's leg, biting and causing vehicle damage. Do not add to the problem. For your own safety, please stay well clear of the ponies and never feed them."

The association says there has been a rise in the number of incidents in which people were "hustled" or attacked by the normally gentle creatures.

The Somerset County Gazette describes it as an "outbreak of anti-social behaviour from the ponies". There are said to be 50 that graze on the Quantock hilltop, as well as 30 mares on the Quantock Common and 20 on Aisholt Common, while 11 farmers graze their ponies on the Quantocks.

Sue Hobbs, secretary for the Quantock Pony Commoners Association, told the newspaper that feeding the ponies also puts the animals in danger as it encourages them to congregate near the roads and car parks in hope of getting some titbits.