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September 12, 1997
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)


Newfoundland Pony designated as first heritage animal for the province

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, is pleased to announce the Newfoundland Pony as the first heritage animal for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This designation recognizes the pony's longstanding contribution to the people and history of this province.

The population of Newfoundland Ponies has dropped to less than 200 animals thinly distributed throughout the island's outports. With only 20 registered breeding stallions, the concern for the Newfoundland Pony is simple survival. In the 1970s, the traditional practical use of the pony was taken over by snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles. Large numbers of 'unemployed' ponies were, over time, shipped off the island as outport traditions changed.

It is only in recent years that there has been a general and more widespread awareness of the significance of the Newfoundland Pony in Newfoundland history and culture as a whole. Therefore, in December of 1996, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador passed new legislation respecting the protection of heritage animals. This legislation allows for the recognition of the heritage status of the Newfoundland Pony; and it also provides legal means to protect the pony, and any other classes or breeds of livestock and animals that may, in the future, be identified as heritage animals.

"Today, the Newfoundland Pony will be gazetted as the first heritage animal for our province. However, this event would not have been possible without the constant attention of volunteer organizations like the Newfoundland Pony Society, whose efforts have prevented the Pony population from decreasing even further," said the minister. "For this reason, I am very pleased to announce the new role of the Newfoundland Pony Society as the official group designated to act in the protection of the Newfoundland Pony."

The Newfoundland Pony Society, incorporated in 1981, and other groups, have been active for a number of years trying to save the remaining representatives of this animal. The Newfoundland Pony is currently not a recognized breed of horse, as defined by the Animal Pedigree Act (Canada) but is rather a mixture of Moorland and other breeds of pony introduced into this province primarily in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. With time, these groups hope to be able to establish this animal as a registered breed, including the establishment of a breed book and breed characteristics.

The new role for the Newfoundland Pony Society brings on new responsibilities. Under the Act, for example, the Society may:

- define the characteristics of a class or breed of animals designated as heritage animals;

- keep and maintain a registry of heritage animals within the province;

- enforce those provisions of this Act and any regulations made under the Act, such as, control over the export of Ponies from the province.

 

Under the authority of the Heritage Animals Act, the minister is also announcing Heritage Animal Order which pertains to the control and export of heritage animals. Under this order, anyone owning a Newfoundland Pony is required to submit to the registry established by the Society, details of the ownership, location and age of every Newfoundland Pony or their offspring. Also, whenever a Newfoundland Pony is destroyed, disposed of, sold, bartered, or traded, the owner of the Newfoundland Pony shall submit to the Society the full details and particulars for entry into the official Newfoundland Pony Registry.

Most important for the future of the Pony, no one will be allowed to remove a Newfoundland Pony from the province without the minister's consent. Today, the minister designated the Director of Animal Health and Regional Veterinarians of the Animal Health Division of the department as inspectors responsible for this process.

"This is a proud day for the Newfoundland Pony, " said Mr. Aylward. "Today, government has acted to help preserve the pony as a proud part our past - it is a symbol of our adaptability and tenacity. This is a proud day for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are celebrating 500 years of survival and tradition in this 1997 Cabot year."

"We have worked towards the recognition and protection of heritage animals like the Newfoundland Pony," said Gerald Aylward, President of the Newfoundland Pony Society. "And we believe that Government has set the framework to accomplish this today."

Contact:

Anna Buffinga, Communications, (709) 729-3750
Gerald Aylward, President, Newfoundland Pony Society (709) 738-6999

1997 09 12 1:25 p.m.

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