CONCERNS have been raised about dogs who are not on leads disrupting and killing wildlife in Ulverston.

The RSPCA was called to Ulverston after a deer was attacked by what was believed to have been two Alsatians.

The deer jumped a fence before they could get near it, resulting in the RSPCA asking for the community’s help to find it.

Sadly it is believed that the deer has now been found dead in a field near Ulverston Canal.

Animal advocate Caroline Sim, known as the ‘swan lady’, said: “It’s body, recognisable by the wounds on its legs, was found dead in a field near the canal.

"Wild animals have torn at the body to reveal an unborn fawn.We are surrounded by wildlife and they depend on us to take responsibility for our dogs. If ever there was a heartbreaking reminder of how important it is, this has to be it.”

But deer are not the only victims of off-lead dogs, with Caroline revealing heartache surrounding a disturbed swan nest. She said: “Dogs untethered ransacked a swan’s nest on the canal. They (the swans) abandoned the nest and egg she had laid.We have massive problems with dogs which aren’t on the lead. The owner was very apologetic, but the damage was done.

“The swans who abandoned their egg lost five of their six cygnets to bird flu this year. It seems enough to go through. We are very privileged to live in a place surrounded by wildlife and the interest and joy this provides but with it comes a duty of care. If we continue to indulge our pets at their expense we cause unnecessary suffering and may lose them all together.”