A BUMPER crop of acorns has killed more than 60 animals in the New Forest – the worst figure for seven years.

A total of 47 ponies and 16 cattle have died after eating acorns, which are lethal to some species but not others.

Now animal owners are calling for pigs to be given more time to hoover up the deadly crop.

Acorns contain toxic tannins that are poisonous to horses, cows and sheep. But pigs, which can eat large numbers of acorns with no ill-effect, are released into the Forest for at least 60 days to eat fallen acorns, beech mast and chestnuts.

This year’s pannage season has already been extended by six weeks to December 15 because of the large number of acorns.

The Official Verderer, Dominic May, said: “There are still acorns which have not fallen and in some places there’s a carpet of uneaten acorns under oak trees.

“It may be that a further extension is appropriate but we feel it’s too early to decide now.”

The Agisters, who are employed by the Verderers to deal with animal welfare issues in the Forest, will review the situation on December 2.

Their views will be relayed to the Forestry Commission’s most senior officer in the area, deputy surveyor Mike Seddon.

Mr May said: “If the Agisters recommend an extension the deputy surveyor will be asked to agree it and pig keepers will be notified of the new end date.”

Acorns can cause colic in ponies and other species as well as kidney damage.

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said this year’s animal toll was the highest since 2006, when 47 deaths were recorded. She added: “We might only get four to six deaths in an average year.

“But every few years we get a glut of acorns, especially when the weather conditions are right.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if there are hardly any acorns in 2014.”