Dog walker charged after boy, 10, trampled in deer stampede

Deer in Bushy Park, south west London
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A man has been charged after a dog triggered an "alarming" stampede of deer that injured a boy in south west London.

The 10-year-old boy was taken to hospital and treated for bruised ribs after being trampled by one of the herd in Bushy Park.

Police said Finn Shioldan, 52, of Weybridge, Surrey, was charged with causing or permitting an animal to chase another animal in a Royal Park.

He is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on February 23.

It is illegal for a dog to chase deer in Richmond and Bushy Parks - and owners may face prosecution if caught.

One witness said it was "alarming watching the deer stampede" following the chase at 2.50pm on January 17.

Phil Edwards, Park Manager for Bushy Park said: "We were very upset to learn that a 10-year-old boy suffered injuries on Sunday 17 January, after an out-of-control dog chased a herd of deer in Bushy Park causing a stampede.

"We sincerely hope he has made a full recovery.

"It's illegal for a dog to chase deer in Bushy or Richmond Parks, and we are pleased that the owner of the dog has been charged by the Royal Parks Police and will appear in Wimbledon Magistrates later this month. 

"It’s extremely important that dogs are kept under control at all times when being walked in a deer park.

"This is to avoid injuries to visitors, including innocent children, and also for the protection of our wild deer who roam freely."

Last month, an owner was fined £600 after his dog attacked deer in Richmond Park.

Franck Hiribarne’s Red Setter attacked the sitting deer, which had to be put down after being injured.

In 2011, a video clip went viral after it showed an owner shouting at his dog Fenton which was chasing after deer, also in the Richmond Park.

Fenton's owner, former barrister Max Findlay, was caught on camera haplessly pursuing his Labrador, shouting “Jesus Christ, Fenton!” as the dog hurtled towards a herd of deer.

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