Pit Ponies

7.09.27pm GMT Sun 7th Mar 2010

Animal welfare charities are concerned that pit ponies have not been included in the protections provided by the new Animal Welfare Act.

Although there are thought to be no working pit ponies in the UK at the moment the rising price of coal means that drift mining could become economical, particularly in South Wales, and ponies could be pressed into use hauling out the coal.

Tim Farron MP has confirmed that animal welfare is a top priority for the Liberal Democrats and the party is committed to establishing an autonomous Animal Protection Commission to bring all animal welfare matters under the responsibility of a dedicated and expert body. "The exclusion of pit ponies from the Animal Welfare Act is an obvious oversight, he says, "and we will work to implement the necessary steps to close this loophole and bring pit ponies under its protection."