A SPATE of animal deaths on Dartmoor roads has this week sparked a plea to drivers to lower their speed.

Karla McKechnie, Dartmoor livestock protection officer, said four ponies had been killed in the last fortnight following collisions with cars on the B3357 and B3212 — the roads approaching Princetown.

Karla said: 'We've had five ponies hit in road traffic collisions, three ponies actually died from the collision and another had to be destroyed — and this is quite apart from the sheep which are being hit.

'Can drivers please, please slow down? At this time of the year, the animals will come down on to the road seeking warmth, and they also like to lick the salt that's been put onto the road.

'Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society have put up two 40mph speed monitors on the road, but to be honest, even 40mph is too fast.'

Karla said quite apart from the pain and suffering caused to animals involved in car accidents, it was very distressing for drivers too.

'I know we say the same thing every year, but please slow down on the moor and be aware of the animals,' she said.