THE death toll of Dartmoor’s livestock in road traffic accidents is on the rise.

Since January 7, 130 animals have been killed on Dartmoor’s roads and 30 injured.

The shocking figure has been released by Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, sparking an appeal for people to be aware of the conditions on the moor to prevent further deaths of the animals.

Dartmoor livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie said that the main locations for animals to be killed appeared to be on the B3212 at Peak Hill and the B3357 at Pork Hill.

‘With the ever-increasing volume of cars, caravans, delivery vehicles, lorries and motorbikes using the roads on Dartmoor it is probably no surprise that the number of livestock fatalities is so high,’ added Karla.

‘We have continued with publicity and radio interviews trying to educate drivers and bring awareness to them, not only to kill their speed but to have “moor” sense when driving in adverse weather conditions.

‘I am saddened by the amount of deaths of the animals on Dartmoor.

‘The numbers are on the rise and we urge people to drive with awareness of the conditions on Dartmoor.’

The prominent month for livestock killed on Dartmoor so far has been September this year, with 23 animals involved in road traffic accidents — 18 sheep, two cows, two ponies and one foal.

‘I have been called out on numerous occasions to attend RTAs but one in particular that stands out in my mind was the call on February 10, 2017, when two ponies had been hit and killed on the B3212,’ said Karla.

‘Each pony, 38 metres apart, had been fatally wounded and killed and the car was a write-off. The first pony had been killed outright and the second pony suffered two broken legs and died a few minutes later.

‘We have tried reflective paint on the animals to make them noticeable but it did not work — we are trying to figure something out that will make them visible. But the animals have a right to be on the roads on Dartmoor, they are allowed to be there and they have always been there.’

PCSO for Princetown and Dartmoor Mark Canvin said that police attend these incidents when the public notify the officers and they need to make the scene safe. He added that drivers and cyclists need to be ‘moor’ aware for the safety of the animals and for their own personal safety.

‘We advise people to be “moor” aware even if they are driving at 40mph because if they are travelling on a dark night they will not see the animal on the road until it’s too late. Please drive carefully, especially at night time, as animals will start coming to the road now as it is warmer.

‘Drivers should also think about their own personal safety — if they hit an animal, even a smaller animal like a sheep, their vehicle will be written off and they could be severely injured.’

Karla added: ‘Dartmoor is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and people need to respect it and be responsible for their actions.’

• Anyone who sees an animal injured, in distress or in need of help of any kind contact Karla on 07873 587561.