A LEADING New Forest figure has condemned hit-and-run drivers who leave injured ponies to suffer in agony.

Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre spoke out after a spate of animal accidents across the district.

In some cases drivers sped off without alerting the agisters, who could have put the ponies out of their misery within minutes of the collision.

Mr Crosthwaite Eyre told the Court of Verderers: "In the past ten days, agisters have attended eight accidents in which seven foals died and a mare was injured.

"Three foals were killed outright and the other four had to be shot.

"Three of the accidents were not reported. Failing to report accidents results in extreme and unnecessary suffering to the animals involved.

"Any accident involving a Forest animal should be reported as quickly as possible - there can be no excuses.

"Agisters are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to respond to reports of sick and injured stock, and the police will relay any messages from the public."

Mr Crosthwaite Eyre referred to the huge number of foals found in the Forest in June, adding: "There is always an increase in road accidents at this time of year and it is obvious that some motorists are not taking sufficient care."

The RSCPA issued a similar message. Spokesman Lucy Clark said: "We would urge drivers to be caring, responsible and humane. Anyone who knocks down a pony should stop immediately and call for assistance.

"Anyone who injures an animal and doesn't report the accident could be prosecuted for cruelty."

Clive Maton of the Commoners' Defence Association said that ponies were also at risk from dogs that were allowed to run wild, adding: "We're immensely concerned over the frequency with which unruly dogs are worrying livestock.

"There have been several cases of dogs distressing animals. One incident took place at the old Beaulieu aerodrome, where a foal had to be put down. The way things are escalating it might not be just the animals that are at risk."