The RSPCA has released a statement after the “upsetting” shooting of a stag in Richmond Park. The animal was shot by a wildlife officer after injuring a man in his 60s, who was having a picnic in the southwest London park.
Incident details
The Royal Parks said the stag had approached the man’s group as it looked for food. Following the incident, a trauma team was dispatched to the park and the man was taken to a hospital with chest injuries from the altercation. Although the injuries were non-life-changing and not life threatening, the decision was made to shoot the stag and put it down.
RSPCA response
The RSPCA has now reacted to the “upsetting” shooting and warned the incident “highlighted the importance of keeping a safe distance” from deer. In a statement, the charity said: “This is an extremely sad situation - and we really hope the man involved is recovering well.
“Fortunately, instances of conflict between wild animals and people are very rare. However, we know many will have concerns about this incident. The RSPCA’s general advice to help keep safe is to avoid approaching healthy wildlife, especially larger animals like deer, as this risks putting both people and animals at risk.
“The Royal Parks is directly responsible for managing and caring for the wild red and fallow deer herds in Richmond Park. It’s upsetting to think of any animal being killed, but in instances where a deer behaves aggressively towards people, they can be legally culled in the interest of public safety. This risk highlights the importance of keeping a safe distance, and avoiding any unnecessary contact with deer, as advised by the Royal Parks, to protect yourself, other people, and deer.”
Royal Parks statement
In a statement on Monday, the Royal Parks said “the particular stag involved may have learnt to associate visitors with food.” “We understand from the police that thankfully the injuries were not life-threatening,” the statement read. “Sadly, the stag’s behaviour meant that it had to be put down as it was deemed to be a danger to visitors.”
Richmond Park has been home to more than 630 red and fallow deer, which have run freely across the 2,500 acres since 1637. The herd is culled annually to keep it at a sustainable size and to prevent overcrowding.
Safety warnings
Several warnings have been issued by the Royal Parks to discourage people from feeding and stroking the deer. Shocking footage shared on social media earlier this month showed members of the public feeding the deer and children approaching the middle of the herd. Unlike the city of Nara in Japan, where people are encouraged to feed the deer, London’s wild deer population should not be approached. They already have an abundance of food available to them in the park, including acorns and chestnuts.
The charity warned that such interactions could lead to “fatal incidents” and has advised visitors to maintain a 50-metre distance at all times. If a deer does come towards you, food should be put away and you should back away slowly and calmly, the park said.
