London (Parliament Politics Magazine)- Police are investigating the death of a deer in Richmond Park after a dog chased and fatally injured it. Forces remind dog walkers to keep their pets under control to protect park wildlife.
Met police are on the hunt for a dog owner after the tragic incident of killing a deer by a dog in the park of southwest London.
Royal Parks Police released video footage of a Spaniel chasing a deer in Richmond Park on X, after the incident near Sheen Cross on Monday afternoon.
Here is a shortened video clip of the incident. As a reminder, it is illegal to allow dogs to chase deer. 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. pic.twitter.com/Zs1OFbs311
— Royal Parks Police (@MPSRoyal_Parks) December 3, 2024
The shocking footage shows a large group of deer fleeing the dog as it chases them through the field.
An isolated deer is seen being chased by the dog, which barks and tries to bite its tail.
In the video, two animals are seen running dangerously across the road in front of oncoming cars.
The dog owner, wearing a red beanie and black coat, can be seen leaving the scene with his dog on a leash.
Forces stated that while dogs can roam off-lead in Richmond Park, they must be under control and chasing deer is illegal.
Royal Parks Police stated on X “It is illegal to allow dogs to chase deer.”
The statement from the police stated, “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.”
As reported by the Guardian, Paul Richards, the park manager at Richmond Park, told the Richmond and Twickenham Times newspaper the event was “deeply distressing”.
He added, “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.”
Annually, it is estimated that three to four deer are killed by dogs in Richmond Park.
Mr Richards said, “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. Dog walkers must ensure their pets are under close control at all times. If there is any doubt about a dog’s temperament or recall ability, it must be kept on a lead or walked elsewhere.”
It is estimated that three to four deer are killed by dogs annually, with dogs being a significant cause of deer casualties in Richmond and Bushy Parks due to both direct attacks and chasing deer into traffic, a Royal Parks spokesperson said.
Police are investigating the incident from Monday and request that anyone with information email Richmondpark@met.police.uk.
As of now, no arrests have been made.