Royal parks warn about dog attacks on deer
Park staff are warning about a rise in attacks on deer by dogs let off of their leads.
Last updated 13th May 2026
The Royal Parks are reminding park users to keep their dogs on leads during deer birth season, after a rise in the number of dog attacks.
Nearly 150 incidents of 'dogs off lead' chasing and attacking dear in London parks have been recorded in the last 28 months.
The charity that manages parks across the capital says not keeping dogs on leads are putting the animals and others at risk of serious injury.
The Royal Parks say dogs must be kept on leads in parks like Richmond and Bushey Park until the 31st of July.
Paul Richards, Park Manager of Richmond Park, said in a statement “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.”
“Please don’t touch or move a new born 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.”