DRIVERS are being urged to cut their speed after one of the worst weeks for animal accidents in the New Forest.

Seven animals died during a “shocking” period of carnage in the district – with three of the accidents taking place on the same road on the same day.

One was killed instantly on the C10, and two others were so badly injured they had to be humanely destroyed by the agisters.

Another two collisions occurred on the B3054 road at Hilltop – one of the worst routes in the Forest for animal accidents.

Many of the fatalities occurred on narrow, unlit roads and are thought to have been the result of commuters travelling home in the dark following the end of British summer time.

Campaigners say drivers are failing to spot animals in time, especially if they are dazzled by the headlights of oncoming cars.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the New Forest Verderers, confirmed that last week was one of the worst for animal accidents “for some time”.

She added: "The speed limit on unfenced roads in the Forest is 40mph, but that’s too fast if you’ve got traffic coming towards you in the dark - even if they’re on dipped beam.

“If it’s dark you need to be travelling at no more than 30mph.

“Ponies and other animals are like toddlers – they don’t have any road sense. You wouldn’t drive past a toddler at 40mph so why do it to an animal?”

All the ponies, pigs and donkeys that graze the Forest are owned by commoners – villagers with the right to let their livestock roam the landscape.

Accidents often increase after the clocks go back, but the number of fatalities last week was almost double the figure recorded in the same period last year.

Writing on social media campaigner Gilly Jones said: “What a shocking week.”

Daniel Drodge added: “I drive from Blackfield to Lymington every day, twice a day. I’m overtaken by every single car – and I’m doing 40mph.”

Graham Ferris, chairman of the Commoners’ Defence Association, warned: “There’s often a spike in accidents involving animals after the clocks go back and journeys are suddenly much darker.

"The 40mph limit is a maximum and not always an appropriate speed depending on weather conditions and the proximity of animals to the road.”

November 1: Filly put down after accident on C10 at Setthorns.

November 1: Mare killed in collision on C10 at Wilverley Lodge.

November 1: Filly put down after accident on C10 at Picket Post.

November 3: Mare put down after collision on B3055 at stockley.

November 5: Cow put down after accident on C10 at Burley.

November 6: Donkey killed on B3054 at Hilltop.