Ecology: Non-native deer

Aim

The aim of this guide is to summarise the law relating to, and the standards required of, those wishing to keep non-native deer species for aesthetic/collection purposes. This guide does not extend to farmed deer of any species.
If adhered to, individuals will be able to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable measures to ensure the safe and responsible keeping of non-native deer, and that they have minimised the risk of their escape.

Introduction

The release of non-native deer species into the wild and their subsequent documented impact on Scottish biodiversity and native species give rise to concerns over the keeping of non-native deer in Scotland. It is therefore essential that those wishing to keep, or those who are already keeping captive non- native species, follow this Best Practice guidance to minimise the possibility of accidental escape or release of animals in the interests of biodiversity and the environment and that landowners/occupiers do not have an extra deer control burden placed on them.
As Scottish Government guidance on biodiversity evolves, it may become a requirement to record information on populations of captive non-native deer and the measures being taken to prevent their escape or release. There is also UK legislation regulating the keeping of non-native deer species and the prospective animal keepers or those who already hold such animals should be familiar with it.

Relevant Legislation

Historically legislation has been established for the:

• Prevention of the spread of non-native species;
• Promotion of good animal welfare practices and health and safety.

Keeping deer in captivity

Legislative controls (see table below) are intended to prevent the escape, the release or spread of non-native species within Scotland. The escape of captive non-native species can be prevented by the provision of adequate enclosure fencing, which should take into account the species of deer being kept.

Enclosure specification

• Use good quality fencing products.
• At the design stage, take into account the physical capabilities and likely behaviour of the deer species to be kept. Some deer species are adept at jumping over or squeezing under fences. Consider fitting an angled overhang on the inside of the fence, extending the height of the vertical section, or burying fencing under the bottom of the normal deer fence to minimize the possibility of accidental escape.
• Choose an enclosure site that can be easily fenced. Avoid very steep inclines, rough or rocky ground. Be aware of any risk from fallen trees.
• Do not allow fencing to straddle a watercourse of any size as fluctuations in water flow may cause damage in floods or enable animals to escape under watergates at low water or where gates are stuck open due to material being deposited during floods.
  

Provision of Shelter

Some non-native species come from milder climates and require protection against the Scottish climate. Some species can also breed at times of the year which may compromise calf survival.

• Ensure that enclosures contain adequate natural cover. Consider additional planting or where shelter from vegetation is not sufficient, provide additional cover by constructing a man made shelter.

Enclosure Size

The size of enclosure will be dictated by the number and social structure of the species and the availability of shelter.

• Ensure that enclosures are designed to accommodate a stocking density suitable for the species being kept and take into account the environment to which the species is being introduced. Supplementary feeding may increase possible stocking density.

Social Structure

Many species of deer are not herd-forming or gregarious and may not tolerate living in large groups. Consideration should also be given to the balance of males and females within the group. For some species, more than one male in a group may result in severe cases of dominant behaviour which may compromise animal welfare.

• Ensure that you have fully researched and understood the social structure and dynamics of the species you intend to keep.
• Ensure that group size and composition reflects the natural social structure of the species kept.
• Take special care during the breeding season or rut to prevent injury to anyone coming in close contact with aggressive animals, particularly males.
• Mimimise the risk of injury to males during the rut (e.g. by ensuring adequate space in enclosures, by separating aggressive individuals or through de-antlering (seek professional veterinary advice).
• Be aware of keeping deer species together hat may produce hybrid offspring. Minimize the risk of hybridization of species through separation of males during the rut or through ensuring appropriate number of each species.

Animal handling

• A Risk Assessment* must be carried out before animal handling begins
• Where possible avoid handling the deer but if essential for veterinary procedures or transport, then take measures to reduce stress.
• If removing animals from their usual enclosure for isolation or veterinary treatment ensure that their temporary enclosure is secure. In most species isolation of individuals is very undesirable. If essential then consider housing in small pens where they cannot easily injure themselves.

Preventative Veterinary Medicines

Only a limited range of drugs are licensed for use in deer

• Take veterinary advice before implementing any disease control programme
• If any drugs are used and the venison is intended for human consumption, ensure that manufacturer’s withdrawal periods are adhered to at all times

What to do in case of escape

Ensure that you have a contingency plan in place that has been tested periodically and can be activated immediately on the accidental release.
Elements to be considered:

• Assessment of likelihood of recapture within 48 hrs;
• Habitat and landscape adjacent to the enclosure;
• Likelihood of dispersal;
• Ability to feed back in to the enclosure;
• Methods to be used for recovery (i.e. feeding, driving, darting, shooting).

Notification of immediate neighbours

• A contact list of immediate neighbours should be maintained and updated on an annual basis;
• Notify neighbours unless the deer are in the immediate vicinity of the enclosure;
• Consider the potential distance that the species is likely to move and decide which neighbours it is appropriate to notify;
• Notify DCS within 24 hours;
• A press release should be prepared and agreed within the first week of any escape with the intention of publicising the event if escapees have not been secured within 7 days.
  

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