Royal Parks: Dogs on leads made compulsory during deer birthing season

The Royal Parks has urged visitors to stay away from deer during the birthing season

Dogs must be kept on their leads at two London parks during this year's deer birthing season, it has been announced.

The Royal Parks said the rules would be in force at Richmond and Bushy Parks from 1 May to 31 July to protect deer during their "most vulnerable time of year".

There have been at least 50 incidents of dogs chasing deer in the parks since the start of 2022, the charity said.

More than 300 deer are expected to be born at the parks in the coming months.

Female deer hide their young in long grass while they forage for food, according to the charity

In March, the charity recorded 26 incidents of dogs attacking deer - the highest number ever recorded for a single month.

Similar rules about dogs on leads were put in place during birthing season last year, leading to a large drop in the number of incidents.

Dog owners have also been advised to avoid some areas of the parks altogether during those three months as newborn deer may be concealed in grass.

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Simon Richards, park manager for Richmond Park, said the restrictions would help protect both deer and dogs.

"Female deer are afraid of dogs harming their young and, as a result, they will be on high alert and can display defensive behaviour," he said.

"In previous years, female deer have been known to give chase and attack, even if the dog is at a distance and not acting provocatively."

The charity has also urged visitors to give female deer "respect, privacy and space" during the birthing season and not to go in search of young deer.