A TATTON Park volunteer has warned of the 'disastrous' effects of worrying pregnant deer by leaving dogs out of control while walking in the parkland.

An incident in Tatton Park has left rangers and volunteers worried about the safety of the wildlife.

On Thursday, April 21, a woman was walking her dog in the park when her dog began to chase three fallow deer.

The black spaniel was in pursuit of the animals for around 10 minutes, causing them to become stressed and worrying a further 20 deer.

Steve Ellis, who volunteers in Tatton Park with the rangers, said: “One of the rangers asked the woman to get her dog back on the lead.

“The woman didn't react quickly enough and for the next ten minutes the dog chased the deer into the distance worrying a further 20 or so deer.

“Unfortunately this is the time of the year when deer are pregnant and the stress of being chased by a dog can be disastrous.

“When the woman finally managed to retrieve her dog, thanks to the intervention of members of the public, the excuse she gave to the rangers was a classic one. She said that she had never been to Tatton Park before.

"The incident was reminiscent of the YouTube video which showed the dog Fenton chasing deer (in Richmond Park in 2011),

“Most dog owners are responsible and would be appalled by the woman's naivety. Only time will tell if the dog and her hapless owner have caused any damage.”

‘Worrying’ animals is classed as a crime and people have received convictions for allowing their pets to chase protected wildlife or livestock.

Graham Jones, visitor and commercial operations manager at Tatton Park, said: “Dogs are supposed to be under control to protect our wildlife. At this time of year it is very dangerous for the dogs to go near the deer.

“We do ask people to keep their dogs under control and generally 99.9 per cent of the time they do, and very unfortunately someone has not been able to do that.”