Pregnant deer put down after suspected dog attack

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) received a call on Saturday night (May 7) to reports of a badly-injured deer stuck in the river at Buxted Park, near Uckfield.

Trevor Weeks MBE, founder of East Sussex WRAS, said: “She was stuck in the river and had been there for a couple of days.

“The deer was pregnant but due to her injuries and extensive dog attack injuries, she had lost her baby. Again, very sadly, she had to be put to sleep.

“If the call had been received when the incident first occurred, she might have stood a chance of being saved. Accidents do happen, and if you think you have witnessed something like this, please call at the time so we can at least look out for the poor animal.

“As I’ve said before, if you can’t control your dog off the lead, it shouldn’t be off the lead.”

Two other deer were also put down after being involved in road traffic collisions.

The first was in Lower Dicker but by the time WRAS volunteers reached the scene, deer wardens had already shot the deer.

The second was another road casualty on the A22 near Blackberry Farm (pictured). Trevor said: “Rescue manager Chris attended on site to assess the situation. On arrival, the deer was actually mobile so he called back to the centre and asked for myself and Kathy to attend.

“Sadly, the deer had nasty multiple fractures to a rear leg and obvious internal issues and the deer warden was asked to attend.

“As the police were unable to attend, we took control of the situation. I slowed the traffic while Kathy and Chris, with the help of a passing motorist, kept the deer away from the road while waiting for the deer warden to arrive.

“The deer was humanely dispatched due to its leg and internal injuries.

“Thank you to the people that called us and alerted us to the deer and the deer warden for their response. A sad outcome for all involved.

“There isn’t anywhere local where such large animals can be taken and treated safely. WRAS would so like to create some facilities to deal with these larger animals but just don’t have the funding for it as they cost more than £1,500 per deer to rehabilitate back to the wild.”

For more information, visit http://wildlifeambulance.org.

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