DEVON and Cornwall Police have been engaging with communities and educating drivers to help save wildlife on Dartmoor.

Last week, officers worked with partner agencies including Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, British Horse Society and the Dartmoor Rangers to carry out high-visibility patrols and raise awareness about the importance of passing animals slowly and safely.

This activity was carried out as part of Operation Gallop – a national initiative that sees police forces across the UK working with partners to tackle all aspects of equine crime and welfare, including equine road safety and the importance of passing horses safely.

In 2024, 144 animals – including ponies, cattle and sheep - were sadly killed on roads in Dartmoor.

Sgt Owen Messenger of the Roads Policing team said: ‘Collisions between vehicles and animals across the moor is something that, unfortunately, happens frequently.

‘Dartmoor is home to many animals who roam the area freely, so it’s important that motorists take extra care, drive to the conditions and abide by speed limits.’

Anyone involved in a collision with an animal on Dartmoor, is asked to report it to police and to Livestock Protection Officer Karla McKechnie who can check to see if the animal requires treatment.

Rural Affairs Officer, PC Lucy Wyatt, said: ‘We’d like to remind dog owners to please keep dogs on leads around horses that are living or being exercised on Dartmoor; take notice of signage, respect any wildlife or livestock around you and keep your dog under close control at all times.

‘Horses are unpredictable and can spook easily. So, if you come across a horse on the road, aim to give them at least two metres of space and pass at no more than 10mph.

‘We’d also recommend taking instruction from the rider who knows their horse and may have a clearer view of any hazards ahead.’

Advice when driving near horses:

• Reduce your speed to a maximum of 10mph when approaching and passing horses

• Be patient and do not sound your horn or rev your engine

• Pass wide and slow, giving the horse plenty of room

• Overtake only when it is safe to do so

• Do not accelerate rapidly once you have passed them

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Footage of dangerous driving, including unsafe passing of horses on the roads, can be submitted to police as part of Operation Snap.

‘To learn more or to submit footage, visit: Operation Snap | Devon & Cornwall Police

‘To keep up to date with the latest advice and rural crime information, residents can sign up to the free Devon and Cornwall Alert system: www.alerts.dc.police.uk/ or follow the rural affairs team on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DCPoliceRural‘