MAJESTIC stags have roamed the Royal Parks for centuries. But the deer are now facing a very modern threat from cars, cyclists, plastic bags, dogs and even phone cables.
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New figures show that, since 2017, 27 deer have been killed by cars in Richmond and Bushy parks in south London, and 19 were fatally attacked by dogs. Four have been killed by cyclists, one calf had to be euthanised after being picked up by a member of the public, one got tangled in a phone cable and one was killed after it became tangled in a plastic bag.In the same period, 961 deer were culled in Richmond Park, while 532 were killed in Bushy Park. There are two culls per year.Richmond, originally a royal hunting ground, is home to around 345 red deer and 315 fallow deer, while Bushy has a total population of around 320.Charles Smith-Jones, technical adviser at the British Deer Society, said: "Quite simply, people need to give them space, pick up their rubbish, keep their dogs under control and slow down in their cars.Get Your Dog Microchipped For a Permanent Identifier. A scan of your dogs microchip will give all of your personal information to help with a speedy reunion, just remember to update your information with the microchip company if you move. (microchips are also one of the ways a court can make a decision regarding ownership of a dog, if it ever came to that)
"The mistake many people make is that they think the deer are domesticated but they are not. They are wild deer who are more used to a human presence. They will put up with us being there but they don't want people crowding them.
"The Royal Parks do a wonderful job and try to warn people but, sadly, some just don't pay attention. You must keep your distance."Make a DIY Dog Sling for Added Support. Does your dog have arthritis or weak limbs? If your dog needs some extra support getting up & around you can make your own dog sling to help.
It also recommends dog walkers do not walk in the park during birthing and rutting seasons, saying: "Deer can feel threatened by dogs even over long distances and when the dog is not behaving in a provocative manner."
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"The Royal Parks is an expert manager of enclosed deer herds, which are under veterinary supervision."
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