Foal left with broken back in New Forest hit and run
Driver failed to stop after collision
Last updated 23rd Sep 2021
A hit and run on Roger Penny Way in the New Forest left a foal with a broken back.
The vehicle involved is believed to be a Mini with the driver failing to report the collision.
A member of the public saw the animal on the side of the road near Brook and contacted the agister who put the young pony out of its misery.
It happened around 8pm last Thursday (16th September).
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Hampshire Police quoting reference number 2078 of that day.
Incidents involving livestock must be reported even if the animal appears uninjured.
So far this year 25 animals have been killed on the New Forest Roads with 13 accidents classed as hit and runs.
With the nights drawing drivers are being urged to take extra care.
BE MORE ANIMAL AWARE
The New Forest National Park Authority has a number of tips for drivers which include:
- Be ready to stop – animals can step out even when they’ve seen you approaching.
- Drive slowly, especially at night – there is a pool of darkness behind the headlights of approaching cars – an animal may be standing in it.
- Give animals grazing by the side of the road a wide berth – cross to the other side of the road and be prepared to STOP if there is on-coming traffic.
- Grazing animals on both sides of the road? Take extra care – they may cross to join their friends.
- One animal by the roadside means there are others close by – be aware.
- Bends and tops of hills need more care – animals may be standing in the road just out of sight.
- Reflective collars worn by some ponies may help you see them in the dark – but be aware that not all ponies have them.
- Deer can easily jump the fences alongside roads like the A337, A31 and A35 – and when there is one deer more will usually follow.