GUARDIANS of the New Forest have condemned hit-and-run drivers who leave badly injured animals to writhe in agony.

The Verderers have revealed that almost 140 animal accidents occurred in the Forest last year, 30 of which involved drivers who sped off without alerting the authorities.

Many of the collisions occurred in the evening or at night, with animals suffering injuries such as a fractured leg or broken back.

Some stumbled around for several hours before being found the next day and put out of their misery.

The Verderers operate a £1,000 reward scheme for information resulting in the conviction of motorists who fail to stop after colliding with one of the ponies, cows and donkeys that roam the Forest.

The Official Verderer, Dominic May, said: “In 2014 there were 30 hit-andrun accidents in which legally depastured animals were killed or injured.

“Careless drivers did not report these accidents, in some cases leaving injured animals to suffer.”

One of last year’s hit-and-runs involved Blackie, a six-year-old cow owned by New Forest commoner Len Mansbridge.

Speaking at the time his partner, who did not wish to be named, said: “Anyone who leaves an animal writhing in agony is beneath contempt.”

It happened just weeks after a pregnant donkey called Sooty was killed by a vehicle thought to have been doing at least 60mph in a 40mph zone.

Sooty was owned by Dan Rangecroft, 14, of Marchwood, who had bought her to replace another donkey killed on the roads.

His mum Sarah said: “Sooty was killed outright but many animals survive the initial impact, albeit with serious injuries. Drivers should pick up the phone, not just leave their victims to suffer.”

Police are using an infra-red speed camera that can photograph vehicles at night, when many of the collisions occur.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said the highest speed recorded so far was 74mph – on a 40mph section of the B3055.