Dog owners issued major warning after rise in attacks
Dog owners have been warned to keep their pets under control until July 31 for a crucial reason.
Dog owners have been issued a warning after more than 100 incidents of deer being chased and attacked in London's royal parks. Walkers were urged to keep their pets under control following 150 reports of deer being attacked in the historic green spaces over the past 28 months.
Royal Parks, the charity which oversees the eight royal parks, said owners must keep dogs on leads in Richmond and Bushy during deer birthing season, which runs from May 1 until July 31. It said the rule will ensure protective deer mothers aren't startled, potentially resulting in dangerous situations.
The charity warned that females could chase or strike out if they believe their offspring has been threatened, with several serious incidents already reported, including herd stampedes.
One stampede saw a Dobermann chasing a deer across Richmond Park, while another knocked a young boy from his bicycle.
Royal Parks said its 180-strong team of Volunteer Rangers across the two parks would continue promoting the importance of keeping pets under control.
Paul Richards, manager of Richmond Park, told the BBC: "During birthing season, an off-lead dog chasing a herd could turn a calm moment in the park into a critical encounter, within a heartbeat.
"Don't be the accident waiting to happen," he added. "[Visiting the park should be] a day to remember, not an experience to forget."
A charity spokesperson added: "As well as causing extreme stress to the deer, [dog chasing] can result in a stampede, or in the deer running across the road and into the oncoming traffic to escape.
"Owners of dogs who chase wildlife in the parks could face criminal prosecution.
"If you witness a dog chasing a deer, contact the Metropolitan Police via the online 'Report a crime' form or calling 101 or 999 if it's an emergency."
