TWO ponies had to be put to sleep after being hit by vehicles which failed to stop at the scene.
Animal casualty signs were displayed at the places where the two September 18 deaths occurred.
One sign stated a foal was “found injured and destroyed” at 12 noon and the other said a second pony was also “found injured and destroyed” at 3.20pm.
Both animals suffered broken legs in the incident, with police and New Forest rangers calling for anyone with information to get in touch.
The foal was hit near Vinney Ridge car park. A spokesperson for campaign group, New Forest Roads Awareness, is now calling for justice for the ponies.
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They said: “The Foal was hit just up from Vinney Ridge carpark just off the A35 on the way to Burley. Debris was found at the scene, so there is a damaged vehicle out there somewhere.
“The foal was found at midday, with horrible injuries. It is possible that it could have been hit earlier in the morning. In daylight.”
Debris was found at the scene, on the brow of a hill, and the foal was badly injured.
“The second one was a mare found with a broken leg near The Cloud Hotel area in Brockenhurst. Again a narrow relatively quiet road. She was reported at about 3.20pm, the collision might have been earlier,” the New Forest Roads Awareness spokesperson added.
What to do if you hit a pony
Drivers have a legal responsibility to report a collision with a New Forest pony, cow, donkey, pig, or sheep to the police.
Even if the animal runs off and appears unhurt, the incident must still be reported as it may have hidden internal injuries.
A reward of up to £5,000 is on offer from Crimestoppers for information that leads to a conviction.
Anyone with information about either incident should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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