Two deer have died and another has been hurt within a three month period after being attacked by dogs in a park in Surrey.
Farnham Park ranger Nick Macfarlane, who has worked at the site since 2018, is urging dog owners to keep their pets on leads to stop them from chasing or harming the resident deer.
Waverley Borough councillor Kika Mirylees also appealed to visitors, stressing that those who enjoy the park should treat both the area and its wildlife with respect.
Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead explained that the most effective way to protect deer is to ensure untrained dogs remain on a lead.
The 320 acre nature reserve has changed little over six centuries and is home to wild deer, primarily roe deer. According to Macfarlane, incidents occur in cycles, and it is deeply distressing to transport severely injured deer for euthanasia. He noted that he had not anticipated this responsibility when becoming site manager and now feels a strong sense of duty toward the animals.
Mirylees criticised those who let their dogs run loose among the deer, calling the behaviour unacceptable. She added that such incidents can be traumatic for anyone who witnesses them, including children. She also stated that owners who do not apologise or take responsibility should reconsider how they care for and train their pets.
Judith Montfort Font, a veterinarian with Wildlife Aid, told the BBC that deer experience extreme stress during these events. Stress combined with muscle damage from running can result in capture myopathy, a condition that can be fatal.
Her guidance to owners is to prioritise prevention by keeping dogs on leads if they are not trained to behave safely around wildlife.
Addition from the author
Commentary: The Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership in Protecting Wildlife
In light of the recent events at Farnham Park, where two deer have tragically died and another has been injured after being attacked by dogs, the responsibility of dog owners becomes ever clearer. The frequent attacks on the park's deer are deeply distressing, both for the animals and for those who witness these events. As Farnham Park ranger Nick Macfarlane points out, the solution is straightforward: dog owners must ensure their pets are kept on leads to prevent any harm to the park's resident wildlife.
Waverley Borough councillor Kika Mirylees echoed this sentiment, calling out those who allow their dogs to run freely, stressing the need for mutual respect between park visitors and the environment. The park, which has remained largely unchanged for over 600 years, is home to a variety of wildlife, including the vulnerable roe deer. As such, the duty of care falls not only on park rangers but on every visitor who enjoys the park.
The guidance from Wildlife Aid, led by veterinarian Judith Montfort Font, is clear: preventing harm starts with prevention. Keeping untrained dogs on leads is the most effective way to protect wildlife, especially in environments like Farnham Park. The stress caused to deer during these incidents can lead to serious health issues, and as Macfarlane rightly says, the trauma of euthanizing severely injured animals is not something any park manager should have to endure.
Ultimately, these incidents are a reminder of the broader responsibility of pet ownership. Owners must be aware that their actions, or inaction, can have far-reaching consequences. It is not just about avoiding harm, but also about fostering a respectful and safe environment for both people and wildlife. For those who frequent public parks, a small effort—such as keeping dogs on a lead—can make a significant difference in protecting our shared natural spaces.
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