New Forest pig death: Police seize car in Southampton

A car was seized as part of the investigation into the pig's death

A driver is being investigated after a pig was killed in a suspected hit-and-run.

New Forest Heart Police said a car failed to stop near Emery Down in the New Forest in late September.

Police made enquiries at an address in Southampton on Tuesday, when the vehicle involved "drove past us while we were parked," they said.

The driver was stopped and the car found to have no current insurance. It was seized at the scene.

Officers from the Country Watch team are investigating who was driving the vehicle at the time.

Accidents involving pigs in the New Forest should be reported to police

A police spokesperson said: "The New Forest roads can be unpredictable, with a variety of livestock and wild animals potentially on the roads at any time of day and night."

Accidents involving ponies, horses, cows, donkeys, dogs, goats, sheep, deer, or pigs should be reported to police.

"If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an animal road traffic incident you are required by law to report it within 24 hours, even if the animal runs off," the spokesperson said.

"To prevent delay and reduce the suffering of the animal we ask that you report it immediately."

The number of animal deaths in road traffic accidents in the New Forest has reduced in recent years, with 41 killed in 2022, the lowest number on record.

Publicity campaigns, warning signage, police speed patrols and so-called salt licks to attract livestock away from gritted roads are credited for the reduction.

The national park's animal accidents map charts the animal accidents by species between 2018 and 2022, and includes multiple incidents involving pigs.

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