Reactions have flooded in on social media following the news of a stag being put down in Richmond Park, with some users angered by the incident.

The Royal Parks announced yesterday (Monday, 17 August) that over the weekend they had to "sadly" put down a stag due to its behaviour after the animal approached a picnic group looking for food.

As a result, the stag injured a man and was deemed dangerous to other park visitors and therefore had to be killed, although the person's injuries were not deemed life-threatening.

Over 400 users online reacted to Richmond Nub News' report of the stag being put down, with some calling the individual involved "stupid" and the incident "disgusting".

One person said: "The poor Red Deer Stag needlessly lost a life due to the stupidity of one man."

"This is disgusting that the deer was put down!! People need to stay away from these wild animals and admire them from a distance," said another.

A third commented: "Stag was a victim of human ignorance."

The situation has made some users raise the question of whether the parks police should be reinstated to better ensure animal safety.

"Bring back parks police. Sorted," said one user.

Another said: "Reintroduce Park Police, a small team on rotation btw parks, surely the Met could manage this. Park Supers used to do morning patrols. I did it as a student."

Other users have questioned people's behaviour around deer and emphasised that they should follow park rules.

A user said: "Ban humans from being able to have access to these poor animals and then they won't be killed unnecessary...."

"This makes me so angry why can't people just read the signs DO NOT FEED THE DEER....it's plain simple," said second user.

Another commented: "We never had this years ago. What are these visitors doing? Taking selfie photos and feeding the Deer? Leave the Deer alone. The park is their home, not yours."

Meanwhile, some people have suggested rule breakers should be fined or banned for failing to keep away from or feeding deer.

READ MORE: Stag 'sadly' put down in Richmond Park after being fed by visitors.

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