Royal Parks Police have reminded dog walkers they must keep their pets on a lead in Richmond and Bushy Parks over the coming months.

Officers have once again reiterated the rule applies from the start of birthing season on Wednesday (May 1) to July 31.

The rules is in place to "safeguard new-born deer and ensure visitor safety".

Visitors are urged to "stay vigilant" and "maintain safe distance from deer".

As reported by Nub News earlier this week, The Royal Parks has recruited 90 new volunteer rangers to help manage the public spaces during birthing season.

Last month, a fallow deer was mauled and killed in a suspect dog attack, and on a separate occasion a whippet was seen chasing a herd of around 30 fallow deer.

The charity says these incidents serve as "stark reminders" of the need to ensure that dogs are always kept under control in the parks, especially around wild deer.

During deer birthing season, approximately 300 deer will be born across Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

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