A QUANTOCK ranger has spoken of his anger this week after two gates to an Exmoor Pony enclosure were left open, leading to the death of one pony as the animal became tangled in the fence.
Rangers had been rounding them up at Cothelstone Hill on Friday but ponies tried jumping back into the enclosure and, while seven made it, one was left caught up in the fence.
A vet was called for immediately but the pony's injuries were too severe and the only option was for the animal to be put down.
The 14 ponies had been part of the conservation management of the hill and a major visitor attraction.
Ranger Andy Harris has appealed to the public to close all gates and keep their distance after an upsetting incident for all the rangers.
"The day was upsetting for everyone involved and knowing that the event was avoidable made dealing with the incident even harder.
"The welfare of the pony was paramount throughout the whole incident which meant that a significant length of fence had to be cut in order to untangle the pony."
The rangers then spent the rest of the day replacing the fence and checking on the health of the other ponies and cattle.
Mr Harris added: "I'm sure the public would be surprised to know that the gates may have been deliberately left open but if anyone has any information please could they contact the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty office.
"I would sincerely like to thank everyone who helped despite the difficult and upsetting situation."