Every commoner in the New Forest has received a "heart-wrenching" call telling them their animals have been hit by a vehicle, say campaigners.

Eight ponies and a cow have been killed on New Forest roads so far this year, among 24 reported incidents, compared to ten last year.

The cow had been chased into the road by a dog before being hit by a vehicle in February just outside Beaulieu.

The figures are higher than 2024, where two animals were killed during the same period, though this was the lowest number of accidents yet recorded.

Campaigners are calling for drivers to be more aware, not only of their speed, but of the animals, and to report all incidents.

READ MORE: New Forest: Half the ponies killed in 2023 died on B3054

New Forest Commoner Defence Association chairman, Andrew Parry-Norton, says he has had animals killed by vehicles in the New Forest "many times."

He said: "It is heart-wrenching to get the call and to see your animal in that state.

"I have just moved my sheep out, and I know I will lose some. It is a real sad fact.

"I don't think there is a commoner in the forest that hasn't lost some stock at some point.

"We are trying to educate people, but we need them to take more care. It is not just the speed people travel, but also getting them to be animal aware.

"In the autumn, I lost two ponies to a hit and run. I think that is even worse if you leave an animal there to suffer. If you hit an animal, please report it.

"When you turn up at the accident and your pony has two broken legs and is trying to stand up, it is heartbreaking. It has a massive impact on the commoners and the family."

(Image: Annette Gregory)

READ MORE: Nine animals killed on New Forest Roads so far in 2025

Andrew adds that in addition to slowing down, drivers should also give animals more room when driving past, whilst staying aware that they could move into the road at any time.

Gilly Jones, of New Forest Roads Awareness, campaigns to reduce the number of road traffic collisions in the forest.

She says that the incidents have primarily been happening in the south of the forest, from Dibden Perliue to Lymington and Brockenhurst to Sway.

This is in addition to the usual hotspot of Roger Penny Way.

She said: "Luckily, we have only had one hit and run in the 24 incidents this year, so we are pleased that people are getting the message that if you do hit an animal, you do have to report it by calling 999.

"We are asking again for people to think, every time you cross a cattle grid, that there will be livestock close to or on the roads.

"Everyone wants to get to their destination in one piece, and does not want a pony through their windscreen"