New collection rules as donkeys trash wheelie bins

New guidelines on the collection of wheelie bins in the New Forest are set to be introduced to tackle the issue of livestock repeatedly breaking-in to them.

Free-roaming ponies and donkeys were seen scattering waste following the roll out of wheelie bins in the national park, prompting a warning about the spread of serious animal diseases.

The Commoners Defence Association (CDA) which represents livestock owners, had said there was a "real risk" of diseases such as African swine fever and foot and mouth spreading from contaminated food waste.

New Forest District Council said certain properties would be allowed to leave bins behind gates as part of "temporary arrangements" during the autumn.

The aftermath of donkeys scattering rubbish was pictured on Fathersfield Road in Brockenhurst

Wheelie bins and food waste caddies are being phased in by the council as part of its plan to end the use of plastic sacks to collect waste and recyclables and increase recycling rates.

In June, the council said it was aware of cases of donkeys in the national park "interacting with waste containers".

Residents in the village of Brockenhurst also posted images of donkeys knocking over bins on collection days.

The national park's free-roaming ponies, pigs, donkeys and cattle are owned by commoners - people who own or occupy land with ancient rights attached.

CDA chairman Andrew Parry-Norton previously said the issue "would only worsen" when pigs are turned out into the forest to feed on fallen acorns, during the pannage season.

"Donkeys are bad but if pigs get into these bins, there is a high risk of diseases like African swine fever or foot and mouth could potentially cost millions."

The 2001 foot and mouth outbreak is thought to have originated from pigs being fed catering waste containing the virus.

The council has said bins can be left in areas where animals cannot access

After an extraordinary council meeting called to discuss the issue, Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said it was allocating "additional resource" to allow crews to pick up bins and caddies from behind gates at certain properties.

"I want to again thank our residents who have engaged with us, and our partners for their collaborative and positive response to the issue of animal strikes.

"It is encouraging that we now have a workable solution in place ahead of pannage."

The plan is set to be approved at a council cabinet meeting on Wednesday.