Police urge safer driving on Dartmoor after fires and animal deaths

Police have stepped up efforts to protect Dartmoor’s wildlife and livestock in the wake of recent moorland fires and an ongoing rise in animal road deaths.

Last week, Devon and Cornwall Police carried out high-visibility patrols across Dartmoor as part of Operation Gallop, a national campaign to raise awareness about equine welfare, road safety, and the importance of driving carefully near animals.

Officers were joined by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Dartmoor Rangers, and the British Horse Society in engaging with the public and reminding drivers to slow down and give wildlife space - especially after a series of large fires on Dartmoor heightened concerns over animal safety.

In 2024 alone, 144 animals, including ponies, sheep and cattle, have been killed on Dartmoor roads.

“Collisions between vehicles and animals across the moor happen far too often,” said Sergeant Owen Messenger from the Roads Policing team.

“We’re asking drivers to take extra care, drive to conditions and respect speed limits. With many animals still unsettled from the recent fires, it’s more important than ever to protect Dartmoor’s wildlife.”

Rural Affairs Officer PC Lucy Wyatt also reminded dog owners to act responsibly when walking on the moor.

“Please keep dogs on leads around horses and livestock, follow signage, and respect the natural environment,” she said.

“Horses in particular can spook easily, so if you encounter one on the road, pass at no more than 10mph and give at least two metres of space.”

The campaign encourages drivers to submit dashcam footage of dangerous driving, including unsafe passing of animals, via Operation Snap – a police-run public reporting tool.

With Dartmoor still recovering from recent wildfires that burned across several kilometres of moorland, police say the combination of dry conditions, distressed animals and high visitor numbers makes vigilance on the roads more vital than ever.

Advice for motorists when approaching horses:

• Slow to 10mph or less

• Be patient — no revving or horn

• Pass wide and slow when safe

• Don’t accelerate rapidly after overtaking

To report an animal collision on Dartmoor, contact police and Livestock Protection Officer Karla McKechnie. For rural crime updates, visit www.alerts.dc.police.uk or follow the Rural Affairs team on Facebook.