We are appealing for information after a seriously ill deer was found with suspicious scratch marks.

The deer was found off the B908 heading towards Alva on 19 February.

Inspector Mairi Wright said, “The male roe deer was completely collapsed when we found him. He was strong enough to kick when approached but was unable to get up.

“It looked as if he had been chased or dragged around an area of roughly 20m squared as there was hair everywhere.

“The deer had suspicious scratches all over his back end and neck area.

“The wounds were concentrated over the rump consistent with the deer being chased and caught by something jumping up and trying to catch him with its front paws.

“The scrapes were quite close together indicating that the paws were not that large. There had been no attempt to bite, kill or eat the deer. All of this is consistent with an attack by a dog or dogs.

“Given the extent of the trauma and the hair present over a large area of ground, we suspect that the deer collapsed due to shock. Unfortunately, the deer would not have survived these injuries and was euthanised on welfare grounds.

“Particular care should be taken to keep dogs under close control when walking them in places where deer, other vulnerable wildlife or farm animals are known to be present. 

“If anyone has any information on how the deer sustained these injuries, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”