CAMPAIGNERS have launched a new bid to cut the number of animals killed or injured in hit-and-run accidents in the New Forest.

Leading public figures have joined forces to deliver a hard-hitting message to motorists about the need to report collisions in which ponies and other livestock are injured.

It follows a spate of incidents involving animals that endured hours of agony before they were found and put out of their misery.

Every year the Forest sees about 90 collisions in which livestock are killed or injured - and about a sixth of the accidents are classed as hit-and-runs.

One of the worst occurred in May, when a pregnant mare and her foal were killed on the B3054 Lymington to Beaulieu road.

The mare was dragged for about 20 metres and left for dead - but the driver failed to alert the authorities.

The new campaign is being spearheaded by the Official Verderer, Lord Manners, and Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Lane.

Lord Manners said: “Any traffic incident involving an animal must be reported immediately so that it can receive the veterinary attention it needs.

“If you leave an animal in pain it’s not only inhumane it’s also a serious breach of animal welfare.”

Mr Lane added: “The majority of incidents occur during the hours of darkness and with the clocks going back soon it seems timely to issue a reminder to drivers to take extra care and adjust their speed when driving through the Forest, especially when it’s dark.

“I would implore people to report any incident they’re either involved in or witness. If you leave the scene you may be committing an offence.

“I have requested Hampshire Constabulary to ensure that all reports of animal hit-and-runs are recorded and that the utmost is done to aid the successful prosecution of anyone who has inappropriately left the scene and failed to report an accident.”

Earlier this month a man was fined £500 after hitting an animal in the Forest and failing to stop.

Stephen Nicholson, 68, of Greatwood Close, Hythe, had his driving licence endorsed with nine penalty points and was fined £500.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £50 victim services surcharge.

Nicholson was driving a Ford Focus when he collided with a Shetland pony on Beaulieu Road in May.