Pony road-death numbers on the rise

7 hours ago

Stephen StaffordSouth of England

News image — The number of New Forest ponies killed on the roads has increased

Getty Images Three horses crossing a road with open grass and trees on either side of the road in the New Forest — The number of New Forest ponies killed on the roads has increased

The numbers of animals killed or injured on roads in the New Forest have shown a year-on-year rise.

Figures released for 2025 show 47 animals were killed on the national park's roads. The previous year had seen a record low of 37 animal deaths.

The number of ponies killed rose to 36, a 64% increase on 2024, despite high-profile campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of free-roaming livestock.

Safety campaigners have renewed calls for motorists to drive with care and to pass livestock wide and slow.

The New Forest's free-roaming ponies, pigs, donkeys and cattle are owned by commoners - people who own or occupy land with ancient rights attached.

Accident figures for 2025 released by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) showed hit and run incidents remained "consistently high" with 18, compared to 19 and 18 in the two years previously.

While accidents at night fell in 2025 compared to 2024, it remained the time of day when most accidents occur. Accidents in daylight and twilight increased.

A police office in hi-vis top holding a speed check gun looking down a long straight road with open grass and gorse on both sides — Police carry out regular pre-planned speed checks on roads known for animal deaths

Commoners Defence Association chairman, Andrew Parry-Norton said the death of a pony was "devastating" for its owner.

"These animals are not just livestock – many have been bred and cared for by the same families for generations, and each one is known and valued.

"Losing an animal in this way is deeply distressing, and with the rise in accidents we are seeing, that impact is being felt far too often across the Forest."

In recent years there has been a downward trend in accidents involving animals, following high-profile publicity campaigns, police speed checks and measures including placing salt licks to draw ponies away from the roads.

Hampshire Constabulary Three donkeys licking a road surface in the New Forest with cars coming towards them in the distance — Salt on the roads during winter attracts ponies and donkeys on to the highways

Gilly Jones of the New Forest Roads Awareness campaign group said: 'The aftermath of an accident has a serious effect on the driver, passengers and witnesses.

"All drivers should expect that, once they cross a cattle grid, they will encounter livestock.

"While speeding is a factor, inconsiderate driving around livestock has also caused some of these accidents. The increase in accidents in daylight and twilight is the most worrying statistic," she added.

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