Gilly Jones, of New Forest Roads Awareness, slams hit-and-run driver who left pony Total Eclipse suffering for days after a collision in Brockenhurst

A HIT-and-run driver left a young New Forest pony suffering with a broken leg for days before it was put down.

Three-year-old Total Eclipse is thought to have been hit by a vehicle, which failed to stop, in the area of Sway Road, Setley Road and Latchmoor in Brockenhurst.

Gilly Jones, of campaign group New Forest Roads Awareness, said the animal’s wounds suggested it had been injured several days before it was found on Sunday.

“I will save you all from having to watch the video I have of this pony… struggling to walk with a broken back leg,” Ms Jones wrote online.

“She has been put out of her misery and the obvious pain.

“While no vehicle debris has been found, there must have been damage, as her wounds show that she was skittled down the road.”

Agister Robert Maton attended and euthanised the pony.

Urging people to come forward to help identify the offending driver, Ms Jones pointed out a £5,000 reward was on offer.

The money would be paid to whoever reports a hit-and-run driver, if that report results in a conviction.

She continued: “We always wonder how people can live with themselves after hitting an owned animal, but drive off and do nothing to get it help.

“The pain she must have suffered doesn't bear thinking about.

“If you are the driver or know something, please do the right thing and report it.”

Contact the police online via hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, or call the Verderers on 023 8028 2052, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.