The Scottish SPCA is asking dog owners to act responsibly during the coronavirus crisis.
Dog owners are being urged to keep their pets on leads while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing.
The call comes after Scottish SPCA inspectors were called out to a number of incidents involving wildlife being fatally injured by out-of-control dogs.
With the charity’s resources already under pressure because of the virus, owners are being asked to act responsibly and keep their animals on leads at all times.
Animal rescue officer Amy Stirton said: “Pandemic or not, people should not let their dog off-lead if they cannot control them.
“I have now attended two deer in as many weeks which have been brought down by dogs. These deer often get away, but not before sustaining fatal injuries. This means we have to then try to find them so we can put them to sleep and prevent further suffering.
“Sometimes the deer end up in hard to reach places, meaning I need to call on another rescue officer or inspector to help me. This uses up vital resources at a time when we are already stretched to our limit by this pandemic.”
Ms Stirton said she had also been called out to incidents where fox cubs have been “lifted” by dogs in parks and taken home by the owner.
“We would never recommend moving an animal unless it was in immediate danger,” she said.
“If your dog has moved a fox cub, leave it where it is and phone our helpline immediately. We appreciate people are trying to help. However, once so much time has elapsed, and as often the caller does not know exactly where the cub came from, we have to take it to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross to be cared for.”
Anyone who comes across injured or abandoned wildlife is asked not to intervene themselves, and instead call the charity’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Ms Stirton added: “We’d also like to remind the public that at this time if their dog runs off and becomes lost, then nobody will be able to come out and search for it.
“Dog warden services are suspended due to coronavirus and we do not have the resources to search for missing animals.”
