Deer attacks dog walker who runs for his life after letting pet off lead in park

A dog walker had to run for his life when a deer charged at him after he let his pet off the lead in a royal park.

Footage shared on Twitter today shows the deer chasing the man and his dog around Bushy Park in Richmond, west London.

Dogs are allowed in the green spot, which is one of the eight royal parks and is just north of Hampton Court.

But owners are required to keep dogs on their leads in all parts of the park as it is currently birthing season for deer.

Simon Richards, Park Manager for Richmond Park, said: "During the deer birthing season, we strongly advise that dogs are not walked in either Richmond or Bushy Parks but, if this is not possible, dogs must be on leads in all areas of the parks.

After a scuffle between the dog and the deer the owner had to bolt to escape (Twitter/Lewisjnewman)

"Female deer are afraid of dogs harming their young.

"Concern for their newborn means they may act defensively towards dogs - they have been known to give chase and attack, even if the dog is at a distance and not acting provocatively."

Birthing season runs from May to July and an estimated 300 deer will be born in the royal parks during this period.

The baby deer are hidden by their mothers in bracken and long grass to protect them from dogs.

Mr Richards added that dog owners must "stay vigilant", avoid areas of dense vegetation and stick to the outside ring of the park.

They can also avoid deer by staying away from areas on the park map shaded in orange.

People are told to keep dogs on leads in the parks during birthing season for deer (Twitter/Lewisjnewman)

Since August 2020 there have been at least 55 cases of dogs chasing deer in the parks.

At least five deer have died as a result of these chases in the past year.

A number of owners have appeared in court for failing to keep their dog under control.

Mr Richards urged park visitors to give female deer space and to not pick up baby deer if they see them alone "under any circumstances".

He said: "Even though you may think you're doing the right thing, you will actually only cause the new born deer severe stress and, sadly, you may cause it to be abandoned by its mother."

Baby deer should not be touched 'under any circumstances' says and expert (Twitter/Lewisjnewman)

People on Twitter criticised the dog owner for letting his pet off the lead.

One wrote: "Those hooves are razor sharp let alone the weight of the beast.

"I have plenty of photos of people feeding deer and patting them and dogs being attacked.

"This video is a good illustration of what can happen."