Fawn mauled by dog on Salisbury Plain

Authorities on the Salisbury Plain Training Area say there have been three incidents involving dogs in two days.

On Tuesday (27th April) two owners lost control of their dogs and a young deer was attacked receiving "numerous bites"

Officials say the fawn "almost certainly would have died as a result of its injuries."

The incident happened in front of a young family who were left upset.

MILITARY TRAINING INTERRUPTED

Yesterday (27th April) a dog walker complained to a unit that was conducting legitimate training that their firing of blank ammunition could injure her children.

Writing on its Facebook page the HQ Salisbury Plain Training Area said;

"On investigation, it was confirmed by another member of the public that her dog was not under control, her children were not by her side the whole time and she had also been walking in the vicinity of another unit driving cross country in Challenger tanks. "

"The dog issues aside, interfering with military training is against the law."

TRAGEDY

In March a dog died after being hit by a military vehicle during MOD manoeuvres in the training zone.

It prompted a warning to those using the area to take extra care.

PLEA TO ACT RESPONSIBLY

Officials stress "patrols are reporting that the vast majority of dog walkers on SPTA are irresponsible."

The bylaws state that dogs must be under control at all times.

However, the Countryside Code states:

• On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land. These are legal requirements.

• A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. They may not be liable to compensate the dog’s owner”.

There's more official advice about the countryside code on the government's website.

Last month a hard hitting was released to make people more aware of the potential dangers of accessing military land.

There's also a plea for dog walkers to be mindful of ground nesting birds.

"We have had confirmed sightings of ground nesting birds. We prepare set areas that are conducive to their needs, but they frequently nest outside of these sites and should be expected anywhere on the training area."

"If you are one of the few conscientious dog walkers who keep their dogs on leads, pick up after them and are a true animal lover, then thank you, and we welcome you to walk on the Plain."

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• fawn
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• salisbury plain
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• salisbury plain training area