The charity says that dogs must be on leads during deer birthing season, from the 1st of May until the 31st of 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.
Paul Richards, Park Manager, Richmond Park, said: “During birthing season, an off-lead dog chasing a herd could turn a calm moment in the park into a critical encounter, within a heartbeat.
“A dog running ahead could panic a protective mother, triggering her to behave in an unpredictable and aggressive manner if she thinks her young are threatened, with incredibly serious consequences for people nearby.
“Please prevent avoidable accidents. Keep your dog close and on a lead. If you see deer ahead, slow down, pull back your dog and calmly create distance, taking a wider path around the deer.
“Don’t be the accident waiting to happen. Ensure your visit is a day to remember, not an experience to forget.”
During this sensitive time for the deer, the safest option is not to walk your dog in either Richmond Park or Bushy Park. Owners who choose, at their own risk, to walk their dog in Richmond Park or Bushy Park during this season should be on high alert for female deer, avoid long grass and bracken and keep to wider paths.
Paul Richards adds: “Please don’t touch or move a newborn deer; its mother is likely to be nearby. If you’re worried, the safest thing is to keep your distance and leave the area. Handling a young deer puts you at risk and could harm the animal.”
The Royal Parks is the charity which manages, protects, and improves the parks.
