A NEW tough line is being taken by rangers on Dartmoor in an effort to protect animals roaming wild on the commons.

A series of new warning signs are to be erected on the moor and Dartmoor National Park Authority rangers will be taking on a higher profile as part of the safety campaign.

The DNPA signs coincide with the publication of a new information leaflet.

The leaflet explains the unique role Dartmoor ponies play in the landscape of the moor, and gives advice on how to keep them safe.

The new signs are being placed at car parks at Dunnabridge and Sharpitor, which are particularly popular areas for motorists to pull over and admire the view ? and the ponies.

Rob Steemson, head ranger with the DNPA, said one of the points the authority was particularly keen to highlight was the feeding of wild animals.

Mr Steemson said: ?It is actually illegal to feed animals on Dartmoor and anyone doing so is committing a by-law offence under the Dartmoor Commons Act.

?We are putting in extra ranger patrols and we are taking this very seriously. When people feed ponies they attract them on to the roads and in turn they can get hurt by cars.?

Mr Steemson said rangers, in partnership with other agencies, will be following up reported incidents and charges would be pressed if necessary.

He said the DNPA is also taking a hard line with people who dump waste on the moors, which is illegal under the Environment Protection Act.

Just last week, the Times reported that a Dartmoor pony had died in agony after eating dumped garden waste on Whitchurch Down.

The new signs being erected at moorland car parks will warn the public to stay away from ponies, take their litter home with them, on no account feed them and to drive well within the 40mph maximum speed limit.