Police are looking for the owner of a pet dog that is believed to have chased and killed a deer in Richmond Park in south-west London.
Video footage of what appeared to be a Spaniel relentlessly chasing a deer was released by the Royal Parks Police following the incident on Monday at about 12.30pm near to Sheen Cross.
While dogs are allowed off the lead in the royal park, they have to be under control and it is illegal to allow them to chase deer, the police said.
“Dog walkers must ensure their pets are under close control at all times and if there is any doubt about their temperament or recall ability, then keep it on a lead,” the statement added.
Speaking to the Richmond and Twickenham Times newspaper, Paul Richards, the park manager at Richmond Park, described the event as “deeply distressing”.
“We can confirm that a dog chased and attacked a deer in Richmond Park yesterday. Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and home to around 630 red and fallow deer, which roam freely in this wild landscape.
“The Royal Parks are a sanctuary for wildlife, and it is illegal to allow dogs to chase deer … if there is any doubt about a dog’s temperament or recall ability, it must be kept on a lead or walked elsewhere.”
He added: “This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible dog ownership in protecting the park’s wildlife and ensuring the safety of all visitors.”
It is estimated that three to four deer are killed by dogs every year. Following another attack by a dog on a deer three years ago, the a spokesperson for the Royal Parks said that dogs were one of the leading causes of deer casualties in Richmond and Bushy Parks – both directly, by dogs biting deer and fatally injuring them and indirectly, by dogs giving chase and forcing deer on to roads and into the path of oncoming cars.
Police said that anyone with information with regard to the incident on Monday should email Richmondpark@met.police.uk. Nobody has been arrested so far.
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