Warning after dog is mauled by deer

Nicola Turner, of Lower Road, Chalfont St Peter, was walking her seven-year-old English springer spaniel Piper in Gerrads Cross Common on Sunday evening when it was viciously attacked by a Muntjac deer.

The deer used its antlers and sharp teeth to tear several areas of Piper's flesh resulting in her needing emergency surgery costing £1,400.

Mrs Turner knew there were deer at the site and had intended to walk Piper in a different location so her dog did not scare the deer.

She said: "I had thought I ought to stop walking her here because it's not on in case she chased one of the deer across the road and they both got killed, and then this happened.

"People don't realise there are deer in there and there are so many people who let their dogs off the lead in Gerrards Cross Common.

"I don't want it to happen to anyone else."

After Mrs Turner let Piper off her lead she ran into some bushes.

Shortly afterwards Mrs Turner heard a loud yelp and Piper came limping out covered in blood.

She said: "It was quite a shock when I saw her come out. She could've been killed.

"I didn't realise they bite as well. It really worries me that this might happen to someone else."

Piper has had to visit the vet every day for a week as there is a risk of infection but is expected to make a full recovery.

The vet told Mrs Turner deer are more aggressive at this time of year because it is rutting season.

Chairman of Gerrards Cross Parish Council, which maintains the common, Councillor Chris Brown, said: "Obviously people want to let their dogs off on the common. All I can say is keep a close eye out for deer if you're in the wooded areas.

"I'd advise people to keep control of their dog and keep them on a lead if they're liable to run off."