A vet is calling for dog-owners to keep control of their animals after a pregnant deer was killed.

The muntjack deer was being looked after by Braintree veterinary assistant Robin Creighton, who believes the animal was savaged by an Alsation dog.

The deer was found last Tuesday night in Bocking by two men who took it to Mr Creighton's house. The men say they saw an alsatian running loose attack the deer.

The vet, of Boreham Road, Great Leighs, treated the severe wounds and sedated the animal. But she died on Sunday after a four-day struggle for life.

Now Mr Creighton is calling for dog-owners to keep control of their pets.

He said: "It is very irresponsible to let a dog run around loose. The men who brought it in say there was no owner in site and the dog had no lead. They said they saw the dog toss the deer into the air."

Mr Creighton said the deer died of its severe wounds. He said: "The whole of her neck was covered and all the muscles in her back legs had been ripped. She was in a bad way. She was very traumatised and shocked.

"From the outset, we knew there was a chance she may not make it, but we kept hoping."

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