Cattle killed in hit-and-runs (From Salisbury Journal)

Cattle killed in hit-and-runs

8:00pm Sunday 23rd September 2012 in New Forest News

A NEW Forest pony and two cows have been put down after three separate hit-and-run incidents in 48 hours.

The Verderers have spoken of their disgust that drivers are smashing into livestock on the Forest roads and |driving off without reporting it.

And they are urging anyone who is involved in an animal collision to report it to the police or the animal will endure hours of agony before it is found.

The red steer was hit by a vehicle on Thursday, September 13 at 7am at Hilltop on the B3054 and just 20 minutes later a grey mare was killed by another driver on the Burley Road, who failed to report the incident.

On Saturday, September 15, a Galloway cow was mowed down at 8.45am by a motorist on the B3080 at Turf Hill, who then drove off.

And on Wednesday, September 12, a driver killed two ponies which were grazing at Hilltop near Ipers Bridge at 8.45pm. The incident was reported.

In total, four cows and three ponies were killed on the Forest roads last week.

A Verderers spokesman said: “We have had three hit and runs this week, which is very disconcerting and we are very upset about them.

“The rate of accidents has increased and this has been since the nights are drawing in.

“Our message is clear, please will drivers slow down, take more care and be more astute when behind the wheel.”

If anyone is involved with an accident involving an animal they should contact the police on 101 or ring the Verderers on 02380 282052.