DANGEROUS drivers involved in hit-and-run animal accidents in the New Forest could be jailed for cruelty.

The Verderers have launched a new get-tough policy following a spate of incidents in which badly-injured animals were left to suffer in agony.

Two donkeys – one of which was pregnant – died after being hit by a car that failed to stop recently.

And just days ago, as reported in the Forest Journal, a foal was left grieving over its mother after she was killed on Roger Penny Way in Fordingbridge.

Now the Verderers are warning that drivers involved in collisions with ponies, cattle and donkeys could be prosecuted for causing unnecessary suffering to animals unless they call the police within minutes of the incident.

The issue was raised at the monthly Court of Verderers in Lyndhurst.

Official Verderer Dominic May said the court was “appalled” at the recent increase in hit-and-run crashes, adding that animals had the right of way on Forest roads.

In a hard-hitting message to motorists he said: “Stock is grazing the New Forest by right, whereas you are driving the roads by privilege.

“If a hit-and-run driver is identified the Verderers will push for police to prosecute for animal cruelty, possibly leading to a jail sentence.”

He said one person had already been jailed for 28 days after being convicted at Southampton Magistrates’ Court of failing to report an accident and thus causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

His revelation that the driver was jailed was greeted with cries of “Yes!” from animal owners sitting in the public gallery.

Mr May added: “The Verderers Court will urge the relevant authorities to prosecute for cruelty whenever such a case arises."

“It may be sufficient to report damage to a garden fence within 24 hours but cruelty results if an animal is left suffering for any length of time that can be avoided.

“The police should always be telephoned within minutes. If you have no mobile phone signal knock on the door of the nearest house and ask to use the landline.”

Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of the two donkeys which were mown down on the B3054 Beaulieu to Dibden Purlieu road earlier this month.

Debris at the scene suggests they were struck by a silver-coloured car, possibly a Ford Mondeo.

In line with their policy regarding hit-and-run accidents The Verderers are offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.