THIEVES have stolen a life-sized silhouette of a pig which was being used to raise awareness of animal accidents in the New Forest.

The 3ft-long symbol was taken the day it went on display at Gang Warily Recreation Centre in Blackfield as part of a campaign to reduce the number of animals killed or injured on Forest roads.

New figures show that 63 animals died last year, an increase of 13% on the previous 12 months.

Animal silhouettes highlighting the number of deaths in 2017 are being displayed in towns and villages across the district, providing an eye-catching reminder of the importance of driving carefully. The pig was due to spend two weeks at Gang Warily before being moved to Lyndhurst – but thieves have trotted off with the campaigning porker.

Now the National Park Authority (NPA) and other organisations in the Forest are appealing for the sow’s safe return.

Daily Echo:

All the free-roaming animals in the district are owned by people known as commoners – villagers with the right to let their livestock graze the landscape.

Tony Hockley, chairman of the Commoners’ Defence Association, said: “Pigs are particularly vulnerable on the roads but they’re also really important to the Forest.

“In the autumn pannage season they eat the acorns that are poisonous to other animals.

“We’re appealing to local people to have a good poke around for our porker. We’ll put up a reward of pannage pork to anyone who gives information leading to its return.”

The silhouettes are part of a wider campaign which includes new warning signs and a police speed camera van which is out day and night.

A NPA spokesman said: “The animals are vital in maintaining the protected landscape - it’s their grazing which helps maintain one of the best places in Britain for nature and for people to enjoy.

“Every animal killed is a great loss to the Forest and its owner.”