Deer chase prompts stern warning

Dog walkers in a Leicestershire park have been warned their pets could be shot if they fail to keep them under control around deer.

The warning comes after an incident at Bradgate Park near Loughborough where a park warden saw two dogs chasing deer.

Their owner claimed she was then shown a gun by the warden and warned her dogs could be shot if they were not brought under control.

In a statement, the park's land agent said the deer had to be protected.

If a dog cannot be brought under control and is chasing deer, in a worst case scenario it will be shot Michael Harrison, land agent

"There was an incident in the park involving dogs chasing deer.

"The warden saw what happened and discussed this with the woman concerned," said land agent Michael Harrison's statement.

"It was only by coincidence he had a gun in the car as one of the deer isn't very well.

"Some of the deer are pregnant at the moment and it's the warden's duty to protect them.

"If a dog cannot be brought under control and is chasing deer, in a worst case scenario it will be shot," he added.