ADVICE to motorists involved in animal accidents in the New Forest could be changed following a plea made by a schoolgirl.

Small cards available at various outlets across the district encourage drivers to report collisions with ponies, cows and donkeys within 24 hours.

But the wording was criticised by Nicola Denness, 16, after two of her sheep were seriously injured.

The animals were left to suffer after what has been described as a “horrific” hit-and-run outside St Peter’s Church in Bramshaw.

Addressing the monthly Court of Verderers in Lyndhurst, Nicola said the cards should instruct drivers to report collisions immediately.

Now the Verderers have agreed to explore the possibility of urging motorists to alert the authorities as quickly as possible.

The words “to avoid suffering” could also be included in the advice.