POLICE HUNTING THE OWNER OF DEER-KILLING DOG IN RICHMOND PARK MAKE NEW APPEAL
The Royal Parks police have today revealed that the dog which attacked and killed a deer in Richmond Park may have been a Large Munsterlander breed and NOT a springer spaniel, it emerged today (wed)
According to descriptions on the internet the dog is a gundog, originating from Germany. It belongs to the Hunt, Point and Retrieve Gundog Group, along with most other gundogs originating from the continent.
These are often described as an ‘all round gundog’, making them an ideal ‘rough shooting’ dog and ideal for working in woodland, banking, rough cover and root fields, they will work steadily and thoroughly.
The chase involving the dog and filmed by a park visitor, can be seen here pic.x.com/Zs1OFbs311
A police source told Teddington Town: “We haven’t had anyone identified as yet, although a couple of possible sightings. We have also been told that the breed is likely a Large Munsterlander as opposed to a springer spaniel.
“We will obviously keep looking as dog walkers tend to go to the same area and use the same dog walk routes.”
The dog can be seen running at a herd of the deer which then run off together with one fallow deer lagging behind and then being chased alone through some trees, barking loudly as it closes in on the deer.
The deer makes a dash and runs into the road stopping the traffic in both directions with drivers sounding their horns.
The full version of the video has not been made available because ‘it is too distressing,’ say police.
The Royal Parks Police said: “As a reminder, it is illegal to allow dogs to chase deer. Dog walkers must ensure their pets are under close control at all times and if there is any doubt about their temperament or recall ability, then keep it on a lead.”
The Richmond Park manager Paul Richards told Teddington Town: “We can confirm that a dog chased and attacked a deer in Richmond Park yesterday. Sadly, the deer had to be put down due to the severity of its injuries. This is a deeply distressing incident.
“Richmond Park is a National Nature Reserve and home to around 630 red and fallow deer, which roam freely in this wild landscape. The Royal Parks are a sanctuary for wildlife, and it is illegal to allow dogs to chase deer.
“Dog walkers must ensure their pets are under close control at all times. If there is any doubt about a dog’s temperament or recall ability, it must be kept on a lead or walked elsewhere.