The heartbreaking accident happened in the Welsh countryside. Tourists who wanted to take a photo with the foal frightened the animal to such an extent that it fell off a cliff. Due to the fall, the pony died on the spot. Cases of animals being frightened at national parks, country parks and random locations in Wales are on the increase.

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), which has a base at Worm's Head in Rhossili, south Wales, is urging visitors to keep their distance from the livestock. It is referring to ponies, sheep and horses. In a Facebook appeal, the organisation wrote:

"Almost every day, whilst driving to and from our hut, we see members of the public trying to stroke or take ‘selfies’ with the horses (...) Keep your distance and use the zoom facility to get close ups. Stay safe around horses."

The organisation's activists also recalled the story of a woman who was kicked by a frightened stallion some time ago. Frightened ponies can kick, bite or run away. Their reactions are unpredictable and the consequences of horse fear can be devastating.

The National Trust, which manages the land along the Gower Coast, appealed to visitors to keep their distance from wild animals and cattle.

NT spokesman Cymru Gower said in an interview with The Independent:

"The land that we care for at Rhossili and along the Gower Coast is home to a variety of special wildlife and livestock that grazes freely across the common land and meadows. We ask everyone that visits Rhossili to follow the Countryside Code and observe a few simple guidelines: Be mindful of all the creatures here by giving them space, that includes the horses, ponies and sheep. And help us to protect this place for everyone to enjoy by keeping dogs on short leads around animals, closing gates and taking your litter home with you."

Earlier in 2023, New Forest District Council banned the feeding of ponies and other animals living in the Hampshire National Park out of concern for their welfare. Those caught breaking the rules could be fined up to £1,000.

Countryside Alliance external affairs director Mo Metcalf Fisher told PA News:

"The Countryside Code makes it clear that people visiting the countryside should keep a safe distance from animals. This should be perfectly obvious, but time and time again there are people that think they know better."

"Putting your urge to take an up-close snap or selfie for social media before the welfare of animals such as ponies is highly dangerous. The countryside is not a theme park, it’s a full-time place of work for many and home to both humans and animals. In light of incidents like this, the Countryside Code should include a specific reference to amateur photographers, making it clear selfies shouldn’t come before respecting an animal’s space," said Mr Fisher.

The first Countryside Code manual was published in 1951 and was last updated in April 2021, the first time in more than a decade. So it looks like the document should be refreshed once again.

The basis for visiting national parks, landscape parks or other places considered to be special is to follow the rules. The most important of these are:

• keeping distance from wild animals,
• throwing rubbish in the bins or taking it with you,
• keeping to the trail and not making noise.

In many parks, pets are also not allowed. All these rules are aimed at protecting the fauna and flora of endangered places.

Source: The Independent