The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation is supporting the efforts of the Newfoundland Pony Society to identify examples of the rare breed, and to create an inventory of historical records associated with Newfoundland and Labrador�s only designated heritage animal.

"It is important to raise awareness of the Newfoundland Pony�s long-standing contribution to the culture and heritage of this province," said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "This unique, hard-working breed was an integral part of virtually every community and was often instrumental in ensuring the very survival of our ancestors."

The department contributed $6,000 in 2007, through its Cultural Economic Development Program (CEDP), to get the inventory project off the ground.

During his address to the annual general meeting of the Newfoundland Pony Society on November 25, Minister Jackman also took the opportunity to encourage pony owners to have their animals registered � free of charge � with the society.

"In 1935, there were an estimated 9,000 ponies in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, there are perhaps fewer than 400 in the world � and fewer than 160 in this province," Minister Jackman said. "That is why it is so important for owners who suspect they have a Newfoundland Pony to confirm, through DNA analysis, that the animal is indeed a member of this rare breed."

Mac LeMessurier, president of the Newfoundland Pony Society, said identification of as many ponies as possible is the key to enabling the society to introduce new bloodlines and improve breeding efforts. It may also help the Newfoundland Pony qualify for breed status under the federal Animal Pedigree Act.

"One of the biggest obstacles faced in trying to replenish the stock is the number of people who own Newfoundland Ponies, but do not register them," Mr. LeMessurier said. "Registration is simply a means by which the animal is genetically tested to ensure it is a purebred Newfoundland Pony. Any involvement in breeding programs would be at the discretion of the owner."

The Newfoundland Pony Society was established in 1979 by a small group of individuals concerned about the extinction of the animal. While their efforts have helped increase the number of ponies over the past decade, the group still faces challenges. Rare Breeds Canada has listed the Newfoundland Pony as critically endangered. For more information on the Newfoundland Pony Society, or how to register a pony, please visit www.newfoundlandpony.com.

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca