Deer fatally injured after Angus park pursuit

Worries have been expressed after reports that two deer were chased in Arbroath’s Victoria Park by dogs – with the younger animal subsequently dying.

A witness posted on social media that six dogs in the care of two owners gave chase to the two deer at around 9am on Thursday and despite efforts by the owners, the animals continued to pursue the deer.

It is understood the animal was not caught by the dogs but was injured when it jumped a fence and died shortly afterward.

Scottish Natural Heritage has pointed out that roe deer in particular are adapting to new habitats and environments and are now commonplace near settlements.

Across Scotland, there are up to 10,000 vehicle collisions with deer each year, with 65 of these causing serious human injury.

Arbroath East and Lunan independent councillor Lois Speed backed the rights of dog owners to exercise their pets, but added: “The Victoria Park isn’t perhaps a place that dog owners would expect to encounter deer, but I know that other spots around the town such as inland nature trail walks are and as a dog owner you have to be on alert, especially if allowing your dog to run free.

“Although it’s too late to save the life of the deer this will hopefully highlight the dangers and raise the awareness of the need for all dog owners to be alert.”