Verderers warn dumping garden waste in the New Forest could kill livestock

HOUSEHOLDERS and equestrians have been urged not to dump garden waste and old hay in the New Forest amid fears it could kill livestock.

Speaking at the Verderers’ Court, the official verderer Jeremy Heron reminded residents about the dangers posed to animals.

“We are coming to the time of year when people will start cutting their lawns,” said Mr Heron, continuing: “Grass cuttings heat up when left in heaps. If ponies or donkeys eat that grass, it causes excruciatingly painful colic and the animal often dies.”

The court heard that another common problem was the dumping of old bales of hay in spring and summer.

Mr Heron said: “Those responsible are often horse-owners who have hay that they deem unfit for their own animals because it is mouldy or excessively dusty, so they think a good way of disposing of it is to feed it to the Forest animals.”

Stating that this practice not only risked the health of the animals, but also encouraged aggression, Mr Heron said: “Members of the public, including residents, should never feed the Forest animals or put out on the Forest anything which the stock may eat.

“Discarding waste of any kind by dumping it on the Forest constitutes flytipping and is illegal.”