Dog walkers are advised to exercise their pets outside of the Richmond Park and Bushy Park during rutting season.

Red stags and fallow bucks compete for females during the breeding season, which happens throughout October and November, with the large males roaring, barking and clashing antler in an attempt to fight off rivals and attract as many females as possible.

During rutting season, deer can feel threatened by dogs, even from a long distance and when the dog is not acting in a provocative manner.

The Royal Parks is asking dog walkers to take their pets elsewhere during this period but if they choose to use the parks, should ensure dogs are on leads at all times and use a route that follows the wall line of the park where they are close to exits.

Adam Curtis, assistant park manager at Richmond Park, said: "Deer can become stressed and behave unpredictably if they feel threatened by dogs or have hordes of people standing close by trying to take pictures, especially during rutting season."

Throughout the year, visitors should keep at least 50m from deer, never touch or feed them, avoid getting in between two deer and should never photograph the animals at close range.

To report an injury to a dog or deer, call 0300 0612200 for Richmond or 0300 0612250 for Bushy Park.