21 January 2026
Animal Accidents
Free-roaming animals
The open landscape of the New Forest where ponies, cattle, donkeys, sheep and pigs roam free is one of the distinctive features of the New Forest National Park.
This is one of the few areas in England, especially in the busy south, where drivers often come face-to-face with animals on the road, both in daylight and at night.
The animals are owned by people called Commoners, and it’s the animals’ free grazing activity across the Forest that helps shape the landscape we know and love today.
When driving anywhere in the New Forest, please remember:
- Forest animals have no road sense and have right of way
- Expect livestock to step out onto the road
- Drive slowly, especially at night, and give animals a wide berth – always pass wide and slow
There is a hit and run reward scheme of up to £5,000 for information leading to a conviction of a driver who has failed to report an animal accident they were involved in.
Remember
It is a legal requirement to report an animal accident to the Police as soon as possible and within 24 hours to avoid causing additional suffering to an injured animal.
What to do if you are involved in an accident
- 999 (emergency)
- 101 (non-emergency)
For: Road traffic accident involving a pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep, dog or deer.
- 02380 282052 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
For: Sick, injured or distressed pony, cow, donkey, pig or sheep (not deer).
- 0300 067 4600 (24hrs)
For: Sick, injured or distressed pony, cow, donkey, pig, sheep or deer.
What is being done to reduce animal accidents?
The major challenge is to reduce the number of accidents every year, so Commoners, other local people and a wide range of organisations are always looking for new ideas.
Below are some of the intiatives currently in effect.
Signs
Clear and visible signage plays a crucial role in reducing accidents involving livestock and vehicles.
Signs alert drivers to the presence of free-roaming ponies, cattle and other commoning animals, reminding them to slow down and drive with care.
Regular maintenance and updates of signs ensure they remain effective in highlighting high-risk areas, especially near roads, car parks and popular visitor spots.
Businesses
New Forest Drive Safe, an initiative managed by the New Forest Commoners’ Defence Association along with the NPA, Forestry England and New Forest Roads Awareness, works with local businesses to increase their employees’ awareness of driving on Forest roads among the livestock.
It also promotes best practice tips for drivers to help reduce the number of animal accidents.
Campaigns
During the winter months, when the majority of animal accidents sadly happen, there is a publicity campaign to raise awareness of the risks among local drivers who regularly travel across the Forest.
Everyone can play their part in this, especially through word of mouth and social media.
Cards and stickers
Forest organisations encourage people to carry a hotline card with essential phone numbers to call if an animal is killed or injured. People can also help raise awareness by displaying an animal safety car window sticker made from eco-friendly materials.
Animal accidents cards and car window stickers are available at many petrol stations and community outlets throughout the New Forest as well as from the New Forest National Park Authority office at Lymington Town Hall, Avenue Road, Lymington SO41 9ZG.
