MOTORISTS are not adhering to the 40mph speed limit set on Dartmoor roads which is leading to the deaths of animals who live on the moor, a West Devon group this week claimed.

After many appeals from the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society (DLPS) for people to slow down and stick to the speed limit, animals are still becoming the victims of road traffic accidents.

Karla McKechnie, livestock protection officer for DLPS and Dartmoor Commoners' Council, is on call round the clock working for the welfare of sheep, cattle and ponies on Dartmoor. She said that within the past few months many moorland animals have been killed by reckless driving.

Karla said: 'One pony was left with a bloody stump after its hoof was taken right off after a road traffic accident at Plaisterdown and due to the injury the pony had to be put down.

'But no-one stopped to help the animal or phone me, that's what I don't understand, if you had hit the pony, you would have known about it! If I didn't find the pony it would have been there all night and suffering.'

Sheep have been killed in road incidents near Cadover and Whitchurch Golf Course, a pony was killed at Merrivale and cows have been hit and killed at the aerodrome in Yelverton and by Four Winds Car Park, on the way to Princetown, within a few months.

Karla added: 'This is a stark warning to all motorists, especially in the summer months as the weather improves, to watch your speed, don't feed the ponies and to keep dogs on leads. All are a threat to our working wildlife.'

l If anyone witnesses a traffic accident or a dog attack involving a moorland animal, report the incident immediately to Karla McKechnie on 07873 587561.