The Royal Parks charity has recorded 149 incidents of ‘dogs off lead’ chasing and attacking deer in the last 28 months.

The charity says that dogs must be on leads during deer birthing season, from 1 May until 31 July in Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

This reduces the chance of protective deer being startled at close range which can result in serious injury to visitors, dogs, and deer.

180 Volunteer Rangers operate across both parks share information with visitors and emphasise the importance of keeping dogs on leads.