An aggressive deer “impaled” a dog with its antlers on Wednesday night in a backyard in Oak Bay, and the family pet had to be euthanized because of the injuries.
Oak Bay Police Sgt. Kevin Diachina said the dog was attacked after its owners, who live in the 800 block of Newport Avenue, let the dog outside about 7:30 p.m.
“They did not know the deer was there and unfortunately the dog was impaled by the buck’s antlers and died,” Diachina said.
The family pet was a mixed-breed husky/shepherd cross and was deaf, owners told police.
The owners, who were not identified, reported it to police the following day to warn trick or treaters of the buck, which was likely in the throes of the annual rut, said Diachina.
“These are large animals — 150 to 200 pounds — and this time of year they are very unpredictable and people have to be mindful,” he said.
The dog had been walking along the perimeter of the property and approached the deer while the deer was eating vegetation.
The deer lowered its head and tossed the dog. The dog was severely injured and was taken to a veterinary clinic and euthanized after its injuries — included a three-to-four-inch puncture wound to the chest — were assessed.
It is the height of the annual rutting season for black-tailed deer, when males are territorial and agitated as they seek out females. Bucks are known to be highly aggressive during the breeding period, which usually lasts through October, November and December.
Police said the Conservation Officer Service and animal control were informed of the attack.
In a statement released through the Ministry of Environment, the Conservation Officer Service said it received a call from the owners through its RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) tip line on Wednesday night.
“Deer can become more aggressive toward pets during rutting season, so the COS is encouraging residents to take precautions in case of wildlife encounters, such as being aware of their surroundings, and leashing or monitoring pets when outside,” the statement said.
Diachina said homeowners should check the yard before letting dogs out for even a short period, shining a light if it’s dark.
The BCSPCA said the rut sees male deer showing more attention to females and aggression to males, which they see as rivals.
The advice is to give them plenty of space.
“They may feel threatened by close quarters and see humans or companion animals as a rival or simply as a danger during this sensitive time,” the agency said. “Take a different route if deer activity is regularly occurring in an area, keep dogs leashed and pick up small dogs if a deer is near.”
This week’s attack is in contrast to another dog-deer encounter in Oak Bay on Oct. 4
In that case near Monterey and Brighton avenues, a dog that attacked a deer was designated as “vicious” and now has to be leashed and muzzled.
The owner was issued several municipal tickets and had to post a sign on their residence alerting anyone who comes to the home that a vicious dog is living there.
Oak Bay police found the deer with “a significant leg wound,” although the animal was able to run away.
Neither Oak Bay police nor Victoria Animal Control Services could say whether the deer survived the attack.
Urban deer can be problematic all year for residents, and particularly those with pets. During the spring and summer fawning season, female deer can be highly protective of fawns and have been known to attack dogs and their owners if they think their young are being threatened.
