Animal deaths on New Forest roads have more than doubled this year

Almost 20 animals have been killed in New Forest roads this year as a result of car crashes (Image: New Forest Roads Awareness)

THE NUMBER of animal deaths on New Forest roads this year has more than doubled compared to 2024, New Forest Roads Awareness has said.

The campaign group said 19 animals have been killed in 2025, an increase from eight in the year prior.

It added it has responded to 47 incidents where people have hit livestock this year, compared to 32 in all of 2024.

A total seven ponies have died outright, eight have been injured and destroyed and five more were injured as a result of car collisions.

The group added two cows had also been killed, a donkey foal was destroyed after it suffered a broken hip and a sheep was killed.

In a social media post, New Forest Roads Awareness said: "We have to change how people drive across the New Forest somehow.

"You can help, if you live within the grids work with your Parish Council.

"If you are a venue that invites people in, make sure you have the right advice.

"If you are having an event or own a business that are on New Forest Roads, then please promote safer driving.

"Livestock should not be slaughtered because you won't obey a speed limit or wont drive to the conditions."