The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information following a spate of suspected dog attacks in Mosswater Nature Reserve, Cumbernauld.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted to the incidents after a concerned member of the public called late last month to report that they had found four mutilated deer over the course of a few weeks in the area.
It comes a month after the Society was called to an injured deer in the same nature reserve, which was found with injuries consistent with a dog attack. Sadly, the deer’s wounds were too severe and the animal was put to sleep to end its suffering.
Inspector Jack Marshall said, “We’re appealing to members of the public to come forward if they have any information about these incidents.
“It could be simply that there’s a local dog owner who’s not paying attention to what their dog is getting up to when it’s off lead. We would remind dog owners that it is an offence for your dog to be out of control in any public or private place.
“It’s also possible that this could be organised deer coursing, which is a crime.
“Either way, being attacked by a dog is a horrendous way for these deer to die. They will have spent their last moments extremely distressed and suffering massive amounts of pain and fear.
“We would urge local dog owners to ensure their dogs are kept on a lead around deer at all times and that they make sure they have sight of their dog if it is off lead.
“Anyone with any information on what happened to these deer can call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 in the strictest confidence.”
