Deer mutilated and killed in suspected dog attacks in Scottish nature reserve

Possible that deaths are result of illegal hunting activity, says charity

Red deer graze in the Highlands on November 26, 2020 in Glen Etive, Scotland (Getty Images)

Several deer have been killed in suspected dog attacks in Scotland.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has appealed for information after four deer were found mutilated in a North Lanarkshire nature reserve.

Experts fear the attacks in Mosswater Nature Reserve in Cumbernauld could be the result of illegal deer coursing – a bloodsport where the dogs chase the animals using sight not scent.

A member of the public told the SPCA they had found four mutilated deer over the past three to four weeks in the area.

It came after the society treated an injured deer in the same nature reserve who it said was found with “injuries consistent with a dog attack” in February.

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Its wounds were so severe it had to be put down.

SPCA inspector Jack Marshall said: “We're appealing to members of the public to come forward if they have any information about these incidents.

”It could be simply that there's a local dog owner who's not paying attention to what their dog is getting up to when it's off lead.

“We would remind dog owners that it is an offence for your dog to be out of control in any public or private place.

”It's also possible that this could be organised deer coursing, which is a crime.

“Either way, being attacked by a dog is a horrendous way for these deer to die. They will have spent their last moments extremely distressed and suffering massive amounts of pain and fear.

”We would urge local dog owners to ensure their dogs are kept on a lead around deer at all times and that they make sure they have sight of their dog if it is off lead.“

Last month a seal living in the River Thames had to be put down after a dog attack left it with injuries that were too severe to treat.

A new campaign backed by the government urges the public to give seals space this Easter weekend, when people are expected to visit UK coastlines in higher numbers.

Dog owners are also being encouraged to keep their pets on a lead wherever seals might be present.

People should keep their distance, not feed them and take all litter home, the advice says.

Additional reporting by PA