Four animals killed on New Forest roads in four days
One was a hit and run with the driver fleeing the scene.
Last updated 24th Sep 2020
It's been a distressing few days for those who love and look after the New Forest with four livestock that have the right roam dying on roads in the national park.
On Saturday (19th September) a cow had to be put down by agisters after it was injured on the B3080 close to Turf Hill near Hale whilst on Friday evening a bay filly died after being struck by a car at Nomansland Crossroads.
Over the weekend a cow was also killed at Crockford whilst a bay mare injured at Ashurt.
HIT AND RUN
Then on Monday (21st September) a heartbreaking incident for one commoner, a pig killed in a hit and run at Emery Down near Lyndhurst.
Owner Lindsey Stride told Greatest Hits Radio it's soul destroying to lose livestock this way.
"We are really proud to turn our animals out and particularly the pigs, it's the most wonderful tradition which everyone looks forward to seeing, but as a commoner you never want to turn your animals out to be killed on the roads. You know it's a possibility but it is soul destroying. Our children are very much involved and they are as devastated as we are. Accidents happen, we know that accidents happen but it is simply unforgivable not to report it."
PLEA TO REPORT ACCIDENTS
The New Forest National Park Authority says anyone involved in an accident with livestock must report it to the police as soon as possible.
If you don't you could be leaving an animal to suffer unnecessary pain.
The Verderers, who look after the Forest, have also got a scheme in place that will pay out up to £5,000 for information leading to the successful conviction of a driver responsible for a hit and run involving a commoners’ animal.
PANNAGE
This time of year motorists need to be particularly aware of pigs as hundreds have been released for the 'pannage' season.
Commoners let their pigs loose to hoover up fallen acorns which are poisonous to ponies and cattle and can cause internal bleeding and death.
The practice dates back to the time of William the Conqueror, who founded The New Forest in 1079.
LIVESTOCK DEATHS STATS
Crashes claimed the lives of 58 ponies, pigs, cattle, donkey and sheep last year.
A further 32 were injured.