Second fawn killed after being mauled by loose dog

Last week the Observer reported how the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) was called to Earlsdown on July 31 following reports a labrador had attacked a one month old fawn.

Sadly the youngster died before it could be rescued.

East Sussex WRAS was called out again last Thursday (August 2) after a Labradoodle dog attacked a fawn which had become caught in stock fencing just south of Dallington.

Trevor Weeks MBE, founder of East Sussex WRAS, said: “The deer had been carried back to the farm buildings.

“She was in such pain and discomfort, plus trying to stand up and get away, but she couldn’t.

“Both deer had the worse injuries I have ever seen in dog attacked baby deer before.”

The fawns had sustained ‘horrendous’ wounds around their hips and thighs.

Trevor said: “In youngsters we will consider amputation but it wouldn’t be possible in either of these cases due to the extent of the damage.

“The second baby just south of Dallington was given emergency medication on site and our vet authorised us to sedate the deer due to the severity before being transported to the nearest veterinary practice – Heathfield Vets – where they kindly put the young animal to sleep.”

He added: “Words can’t describe how sickening these incidents have been.

“It was clear that both dog owners were genuinely upset and concerned afterwards.

“One lady was surprised that her dog could cause so much damage.

“WRAS would urge people during June, July, August and September to be careful when in areas where they know there are deer.

“Fawns will frequently be left hidden in bracken, long grass, and shrub land so please either avoid these areas, keep your dog under control or, if not obedient enough, keep them on a long lead.

“I take my hat off to the people who called us as they did everything right in dealing with the aftermath and were extremely helpful, but it is unfortunate that all these cases have ended so badly.”

WRAS has been called to three other similar attacks across the county in the last three months.

Trevor said: “This year has been a bad year for baby deer - we have had nine babies and all of them have been fatalities. Such baby deer trauma cases are very expensive, they frequently costs us over £1,000 to treat and rehabilitate back to the wild, and they are so labour intensive and the veterinary operations and treatment are long-winded and expensive. We hope that our on-going educational work will help reduce down such incidents from happening.”

WRAS’s funds are limited and the average cost of a single call out is approximately £75.

To donate to the charity, visit www.wildlifeambulance.org or call 01825873003.

Alternatively donate by post via East Sussex WRAS, PO Box 2148, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 9DE.