FIVE foals have been killed in the New Forest over the past six weeks.

The latest incident happened on June 15 when a foal was discovered at 12.36am after the driver fled the scene of the crash.

A total of 11 accidents have occurred in recent weeks with four going unreported. Two of the hit and run crashes happened on the road between Sway and Brockenhurst.

Now drivers are being urged to report crashes involving animals in the New Forest.

Gilly Jones of New Forest Roads Campaign said: “One of the main criteria is we need to get people to report the accidents.

“It’s just reminding people that these animals are out in the forest and that they have the right of way.”

She added: “It’s about raising people’s awareness of how to drive through the forest that all these animals are owned by people and people have put a lot of hard work into breeding them.”

The law states that drivers must report road traffic accidents with livestock to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours.

The New Forest Verderers said: “We are concerned that there is a misconception amongst some drivers, that if they report an accident with a Forest animal they will face prosecution, a fine and points on their licence.

“We would like to stress that this is generally not the case. The only time a driver may find him or herself in trouble with the law is if there is evidence of careless or dangerous driving and that rarely happens.

“Conversely, a driver who fails to report an accident and is subsequently identified will be very lucky not to end up in Court on the grounds of failing to stop and report an accident and causing unnecessary suffering.”

Anyone who gives information leading to the conviction of a driver involved in a hit and run accident with a commoners’ animal will receive a £5,000 reward.