PCC responds to animal safety concerns in the New Forest

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, is meeting county, district and parish councillors for the New Forest today (14 August) after several animal welfare incidents at the weekend.

Concerns were raised following the annual Pony and Trap ride-out across a number of locations. One horse suffered a broken leg in Ashurst on Saturday and had to be put down while on Sunday police were called to near the Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst to clear nails and broken glass to prevent injury. Another horse was caught on a cattle grid but was freed without any further issues.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I have been contacted by members of the public and concerned residents regarding the events that took place at the weekend in the New Forest. The incidents were very concerning for road users. The ride-out caused a traffic backlog in an already busy seasonal area and it is so sad that a horse had to be put down.

“I have been in contact with the local policing team in the New Forest to make sure that the incidents are being thoroughly looked into.

“The force is in close contact with a number of organisations including New Forest District Council, Highways England, the RSPCA and Forestry England to review the events from the weekend, take action and prepare for these events in the future.

“At this time of year, we see an increased number of visitors to this beautiful part of Hampshire and I want to reassure the local communities and those who are planning to visit that every measure is being taken to review and investigate the incidents.”