A golf club has shared news of a "horrific incident" which involved a baby deer being “hunted down and savaged by an out-of-control dog” on their course.

Elderslie Golf Club said the sad events took place on Saturday, September 28 as they issued a warning to other dog owners using their grounds.

According to the club, the fawn ended up having to be put down by the SSPCA (Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) as a result of its injuries.

The post said: “During a horrific incident on Saturday, September 28, a baby deer was hunted down and savaged by an out-of-control dog which ended with the fawn being put down by the SSPCA.

“We are now asking that all dogs being walked on the course are kept on a lead at all times.

“We appreciate that your dog may be ‘timid’, ‘friendly’ ‘a big softie’ etc. etc. but there can be no exceptions.

“If owners would rather walk their dogs off the lead, we would politely ask them to do so elsewhere to help us protect all of the animals that live on the course.”

Police Scotland confirmed that they had been alerted to the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 5.45pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024 we received a report of a deer having been found injured in woodland near Main Road, Elderslie.

"Enquiries are ongoing”

The SSPCA said they are unable to comment at this time as the incident is with Police Scotland.

Renfrewshire Council, who operate the local authority’s animal warden service, confirmed that they are aware of the incident but are unable to comment further as the police are leading on the investigation.