News Items

South Quarter Vacancies December 2026

For More information see documents

Important Notice – Strangles Outbreak on Dartmoor

Strangles, a highly infectious respiratory disease, has been reported in pony herds on Belstone Common and Meldon Common (Okehampton). It spreads easily between ponies and can be carried on clothing, footwear and personal belongings. Please observe ponies from a distance, avoid touching or approaching them, and take care not to spread infection between areas. Affected animals are being monitored. **DO NOT FEED THE PONIES.** This advice remains especially important during the outbreak. Thank you for helping protect Dartmoor’s ponies.

Sheep Clearance Dates

• Southern Half (7–21 November) • Northern Half (14–28 November) For more information see Sheep Clearance PDF in Forms & Documents section of website.

Livestock Health Update – Bluetongue

The Dartmoor Commoners’ Council is very aware of the increasing concern within the commoning community about the current cases of bluetongue affecting livestock and strangles affecting ponies on Dartmoor. This is an extremely worrying time for those with animals on the commons. Commoners care deeply about the health and welfare of their stock and ponies, and the Council recognises the considerable anxiety and practical difficulties these disease outbreaks are causing.