VERDERERS in the New Forest have highlighted a number of dangers to animals caused by fly-tipping.

It was recently reported that a forest car park near Burley had been the site of dumped rubbish for the fourth time this year.

Pictures from the scene showed animals in close proximity to the waste at Burbush car park.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said the issue could lead to a lot of problems.

"Fly tipping is a hazard to the animals for a number of reasons," she said.

"Firstly we often find that vegetation from people’s gardens contains poisonous plants and grass cuttings can cause fatal colic in ponies and donkeys.

"Fly-tips often contain toxic chemicals, asbestos, plastics and food containers, the latter which cattle and donkeys are prone to eating.

"Also it is quite usual for nails, screws and other sharp objects as well as things that animals - be they commoners animals or wild animals - can easily get their legs caught up in, to be found in amongst the material that has been dumped."