Richmond Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks, and covers an area of 2500 acres. Located in the district of Richmond upon Thames, the park is most well-known for its abundance of wildlife, particularly their free-roaming red and fallow deer.
Off-lead dog in Richmond Park
On April 17th, a group of visitors to the park noticed a wire-haired Jack Russell barking incessantly in the distance. As they looked closer, they realised the dog was attacking something. The group quickly rushed to the dog and shooed him away, but unfortunately, it was too late.
An adult grey squirrel lay in the ground, panting heavily. The group of friends quickly realised that the poor thing’s legs had been completely destroyed. He was still alive, but he couldn’t move, and much less climb back up a tree.
Shockingly, the Jack Russell’s owner had been just steps away from the attack and had done absolutely nothing to stop her dog from torturing the poor animal.
An uncomfortable interaction
The visitors asked whether she could put her dog on a lead to prevent more wildlife from being harmed. Completely unbothered, she responded:"I’m afraid that’s what Terriers do. It’s nature isn’t it?"
She then asked whether the squirrel was a baby. When told it was an adult, she responded with enthusiasm "Well that’s effective!"
She then accused the visitors of being "vegans or vegetarians" before reiterating that she wouldn’t put her dog on a lead - even though signs all around indicated that it was an on-lead area due to ground-nesting birds.
Yes, grey squirrels are an invasive alien species in the UK and are considered by some as pests. But on the other hand, a dog owner didn’t respect the rules, causing disturbance to wildlife.
What’s your opinion on the matter? Who was in the wrong - the owner, or the visitors?
