Police are investigating a vicious dog attack in Bushy Park on the FIRST day new rules requiring dogs to be kept on leads came into force, Nub News can reveal.

According to eye-witnesses, two 'pitbull–like' dogs attacked a smaller dog and its owner near the Sandy Lane entrance of the park at around 11am on Monday morning.

An ambulance and police officers attended the scene.

The Metropolitan police confirmed an un-named man and his dog received treatment at the scene, however the man's hand injuries required further attention at a south London hospital.

Officers took the dog to an emergency vet for urgent treatment and the dog's condition is now described as 'serious but stable'.

The two dogs involved in the attack were seized by police and the investigation continues.

Leads on dogs is currently compulsory in Bushy and Richmond Park due to the deer birthing season which runs from May 1st - July 31st, where around 300 deer will be born across both parklands.

Leads on dogs is currently compulsory in Bushy and Richmond Park from May 1st - July 31st where around 300 deer will be born across both parklands (Credit: Royal Parks)

Incidents of dogs chasing deer is already a frequent issue for the Royal Parks Police, but during this highly sensitive time for the deer, park officials have stressed the importance of the ruling being adhered too whilst also suggesting the safest option would be to avoid walking dogs in either park completely.

A map of areas to avoid in Bushy Park with a dog during the deer birthing season (Credit: Royal Parks)

Paul Richards, Park Manager at Richmond Park said: "Although deer are instinctively frightened of dogs, they will overcome this fear if they believe their young are at risk. This means female deer may chase and attack, even if the dog is at a distance, on a lead and not acting provocatively. This can be extremely frightening to witness, especially for the dog owner.

"This is the fourth year we've had 'dogs on leads' during the deer birthing season and it's been an important step for deer welfare during this vulnerable time.

"As a result of this policy, our wildlife officers have noticed positive changes in the deer, with the deer appearing less on edge and exhibiting more natural behaviours such as roaming further into the park. Most importantly though, the number of dogs chasing deer dramatically reduces during this time. We'd like to thank the public for their continued support."

A map of areas to avoid in Richmond Park with a dog during the deer birthing season (Credit: Royal Parks)

Advice to dog walkers

• It is compulsory to keep your dog on a lead at all times, and in all areas of the parks, from 1 May until 31 July.
• Avoid the areas shaded in orange on the maps. These are typically areas of long grass and bracken where newborn deer could be concealed.
• If a deer charges, let the dog off the lead so it can run away and doesn't get hurt.
• Consider walking your dog elsewhere.

Advice to all park visitors

• Give deer plenty of space. Always keep at least 50 metres away.
• Avoid deer nursery areas where possible. Give female deer privacy and respect.
• Never touch or handle a newborn deer under any circumstances, even if it's on its own. It is not abandoned, and its mother will be grazing nearby