Donkey foal killed in hit and run in New Forest
It's the second death involving a donkey in less than a fortnight
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021
Yet more heartache in the New Forest National Park as a donkey foal dies in a hit and run.
The foal was discovered dead on Sunday morning, a few metres from the B3054 at Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu with his mother close by.
The driver of the vehicle involved, believed to be a Volvo, didn't report the accident, meaning the foal may have suffered for some time.
Gilly Jones from campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness appealed for the driver to come forward.
"If you know who was driving this car, ask them to do the right thing and report now. If you think they will not do that, please report to Hants Police, The Verderers, Crimestoppers or us. There is an up to £5000 reward for reporting a hit and run driver, following a conviction. They do happen, and this reward has been handed out to several last year. Please for the sake of the young commoner that owned that foal, do the right thing."
SECOND INCIDENT
This latest death comes just eleven days after another donkey died after being hit by a motorbike on the B3055 also near Hatchet Pond.
In that accident on the 10th June the rider did the right thing and reported the collision.
The female donkey, which had been left with a broken back, had to be put down by an agister.
Its young foal was left orphaned and had to be removed from the New Forest so it could be bottle fed.
Owner Andrew Luker told Greatest Hits Radio it's vital motorists stay alert and slow down at all times
"It's very upsetting, that particularly donkey was bred by us, her mum was one of the first donkey's I ever had and the jenny that was killed actually belonged to my son, as I gave it to him when it was born.
"From dusk right through the night and into the morning, their habits and movements don't change, just because you can't see them it doesn't mean that they're not there. I know it's a forty mile an hour speed limit but that's the maximum you do not have to stay at forty."
HOW TO REPORT ACCIDENTS WITH LIVESTOCK
You are legally obliged to report all accidents involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep to the Police as soon as possible, and within 24hrs at the latest. Call the Police on 999 (for an emergency) or 101 (non-emergency).