Royal Parks records 149 incidents of dogs chasing deer in parks
The Royal Parks charity has recorded 149 incidents of “dogs off lead” chasing and even attacking deer over the last 28 months. It is warning visitors to parks, including Richmond Park, that “they are putting themselves and others at risk of a serious injury, or worse.”
The charity, responsible for London’s eight Royal Parks, says that dogs must be on leads during deer birthing season between 1st May and 31st July in Richmond Park and Bushy Park. This would reduce the chance of “protective deer” being startled at close range, a situation which Royal parks says can “quickly turn into accidents causing serious injury to visitors, dogs, and deer.” The two parks have 180 Volunteer Rangers who engage with visitors and share important information about the importance of keeping dogs on leads, it said.
“Deer are excellent mothers and highly protective of their young,” says Royal Parks. “They hide newborns in bracken and long grass to conceal them from dogs and other perceived predators. But while deer are instinctively frightened of dogs, mothers will overcome that fear if they believe their young are at risk, chasing or striking out.”
The charity says it has recorded “numerous serious incidents” caused “as a result of dogs chasing deer.” These include “multiple herd stampedes triggered by dog chases” including one which saw a young boy knocked on a bike and another where a Doberman chased red deer across Chestnut Avenue “causing visitors to scatter.”
The safest option “during this sensitive time for deer,” is not to walk your dog in either Richmond Park or Bushy Park, says Royal Parks. Owners who choose to during this season ought to be on “high alert” for female deer, avoid long grass and bracken, and keep to wider paths, it said.
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