Deer attacked by dogs at Felbrigg Estate near Cromer

A witness, who does not want to be named, said the dogs were walking off-lead ahead of their owners at Felbrigg Estate when they lunged towards a deer.

"I was one of a number of people who were alerted to this vicious attack by the screaming of the deer and barking of the dogs," he said.

A witness said the attack went on for around five minutes (Image: Supplied)

"It went on for about five minutes.

"I rushed over to where the noise was coming from and the women eventually called the dogs off the deer, which by now was trapped in a fence with its hind quarters a mass of blood." 

He said he could see the dogs' muzzles were bloodied but, when he questioned their owners, they "seemed largely untroubled by the event and not in the least apologetic".

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The witness hurried to find a ranger to get help for the animal following the attack at 4pm on Friday and reported the women and their dogs to the National Trust which runs the site near Cromer.

"The situation could have been far worse if there had been a child or another dog involved in this attack and the lack of concern or contrition by the owners appalled me," he added.

"They are clearly irresponsible and incapable of controlling their dogs which had been acting as a pack."

A general view of the Felbrigg lake (Image: Newsquest)

A National Trust spokeswoman confirmed they had received reports of the incident.

“We can confirm we received a report that a muntjac deer was attacked by three dogs close to the lake at Felbrigg at about 4.30pm on Friday afternoon," she said. 

"The police and wildlife liaisons officer have been informed.

"At Felbrigg Estate visitors are asked to keep dogs on a lead or under close control at all times and to follow any signs in the parkland for the safety of their dogs and the wildlife that lives in the parkland.”

Norfolk Constabulary has been contacted for comment.