A SMALL three-legged deer was attacked by a dog while an eight-year-old girl watched in horror.

Little Alessandra Kurr, of Bassetsbury Avenue, High Wycombe, was getting ready for school on Thursday when she and her mother, Susan, saw a doberman attack the deer.

The pair hammered on the window and the dog ran off but Alessandra was horrified by the attack.

Mrs Kurr, 40, said: "My daughter was so upset.

"You see lions bringing down gazelles on television but you're detached from it.

"To see it happening right in front of your nose is very horrible to see."

Woods near their house is home to muntjac deer, including the one which has lost part of its hind left leg.

Mrs Kurr claims this was the third attack on the deer which has been set upon by dogs in recent weeks and blames irresponsible dog owners for failing to control their pets.

She said since the foot and mouth problems, owners have turned a blind eye to dogs slipping off the leash and running wild.

To protect the deer, she called the RSPCA but was told the deer would have to be put down if it was moved, in case it was a carrier of the virus.

A spokesman for Wycombe District Council said the dog warden is investigating the complaint and is also liaising with the RSPCA concerning the deer's health.