Two Shetlands among three pony deaths on New Forest roads in a week

ANOTHER Shetland pony has been killed in the New Forest – one of three animal fatalities in a week, the verderers reported.

As reported by the A&T, a brown Shetland died at Norleywood Crossroads on the B3054, near Pilley, last Thursday. It was found at about 8am by agister Robert Maton.

It was the first death on the roads this year after a fatality-free January.

Now the verderers have said this was followed on Sunday by the death of another Shetland at the same spot, at about 9.15pm.

Later on the same night, at 11.30pm, a bay filly wearing a reflective collar had to be put down after a crash on the B3078 Roger Penny Way, between Deadmans Hill and Ashley Walk, Godhsill. Agister Jonathan Gerrelli attended.

Reacting after the first fatality, the New Forest Roads Awareness group said: "This is the first fatal accident involving livestock in 2023 [and] we are asking anyone who may have dashcam or further information to contact the verderers.

"There is a reward of up to £5,000 for reporting a hit-and-run driver, following a conviction."

The post added: "This is not the first incident scene I have attended, but this one really was upsetting. This little mite had a broken leg and may have staggered on until she died."

The day before, a joint campaign to tackle speeding vehicles, Operation Mountie, was carried out on the stretch of road.

Appealing for witnesses the post added: "If you know any information, please do the right thing and report it."

The verderers can be contacted on 023 8028 2052.