A WILDLIFE boss has issued a warning to dog owners following a vicious attack on a young deer.

The roe deer fawn was discovered pinned to the floor by a dog at Emer Bog and Baddesley Common nature reserve, near North Baddesley.

Volunteers working on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust run reserve were alerted to the incident by the fawn’s screams.

They discovered a Labrador-type dog on top of the deer, with its jaws clasped around the animal’s neck.

The volunteers were able to drive the dog back to its owner, but they believe the fawn will “almost certainly” die from the trauma of the attack.

Martin de Retuerto, reserves manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, has described the incident as “heartbreaking”.

He has also warned dog owners about the dangers of letting their animals run free in nature reserves.

He said: “While responsible dog owners are welcome at Emer Bog nature reserve, this heartbreaking incident just goes to show the impact of owners letting their dogs run off-lead and out of sight.“Free-roaming dogs often harm, or sometimes even kill, livestock and wildlife.“It’s absolutely crucial that dog owners respect that nature reserves are first and foremost a haven for wildlife, and keep their dogs on lead, in sight and under effective control.”

According to the trust, The reserve, alongside neighbouring Baddesley Common, is home to over 300 plant and nearly 100 bird species.

This includes endangered and European-protected bird species like woodlark, nightjar and woodcock, which nest on the ground.

Dogs must remain on the lead while on the 52 hectares site, which has two public footpaths and a timber boardwalk through Alder Carr woodland.

The attack follows a long list of dog biting incidents reported by the Echo in recent weeks.

lust yesterday we reported that A hunt has been launched for the owners of two Staffordshire Bull Terriers that left another dog needing three hours of life-saving treatment.

lThen, magistrates told Anthony Hughes, who was told to muzzle his dog Sid following an attack on a group of alpacas - which left one dead and two injured.

Hughes, 60, of Woodlands Road, New Forest, was told to muzzle the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as part of an order granted by Southampton Magistrates Court.

Although the 60-year-old denied his dog was responsible for the death or injury of the alpacas, he did accept that Sid was allowed to run free in their vicinity.

lEddy Hilden, of Scallows Lane, West Wellow, was also slapped with a similar order last week, after his pet lurcher attacked a jogger.

He was also ordered to muzzle and keep his dog on a lead in public following the attack, which left the victim with several puncture wounds in her left thigh.