A SEVERELY injured pony endured three days of agony after a hit-and-run accident in the New Forest.

The mare, Millersford My Fair Lady, who was found by a walker, suffered a broken leg in the collision on the B3078 at Ashley Walk, near Godshill, and had to be put down.

Donkeys Sooty and Sweep were killed in a similar hit-and-run accident at the junction of the B3078 and B3079 at Brook just days after two young pigs were fatally injured on the B3079 in neighbouring Bramshaw.

The recent spate of deaths coincides with new figures that show an increase in the number of animal accidents in the Forest.

Last year the agisters attended 174 incidents, 19 more than in 2005.

A total of 69 ponies died on Forest roads, five more than in the previous 12 months. Other casualties included 13 cows, three pigs and two donkeys.

The figures were due to be debated at today's Court of Verderers meeting in Lyndhurst.