Dog owner fined following incident in Bushy Park

A dog owner has been fined after an incident in Bushy Park in which a young child was knocked over by a deer.

Finn Schioldan, 52, of Surrey, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 23 February, after pleading guilty to causing/ permitting an animal/ bird in charge of to chase / worry / injure another animal in a Royal Park, contrary to S4(21) Royal Parks & Other Open Spaces regulations 1997.

It comes after an incident at Bushy Park in Richmond, on Sunday, 17 January, in which a 10-year-old boy was knocked over by a deer which was being chased by a dog.

The incident was reported at 14:50hrs and the boy was taken to hospital having suffered bruised ribs.

The Met's Royal Parks team launched an investigation and a man was charged by postal charge requisition in February.

On Wednesday, 24 February, Schioldan was fined £800 and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Police Sergeant Pete Sturgess, from the Royal Parks Command Unit, said: “This case demonstrates the importance of keeping your dog on a lead, especially if you are unsure how your dog will react around other wildlife such as deer.

“We would encourage all dog walkers to put their dogs on a lead when in the vicinity of deer.

“We wish the child a speedy recovery.”