A DISTRESSED baby deer mauled in a vicious dog attack was nursed back to life by an animal sanctuary near Cricklade.

The five-month-old fawn was found crying and with severe puncture wounds to the chest and legs in Quedgeley, near Gloucester, last week.

She was taken to vets by a member of the public before being transferred to the care of Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre, in the Blakehill Nature Reserve, for rehabilitation.

Chrissy Ball from the centre said the deer, christened Lightning by staff, had to fight for survival.

"She was very stressed when we got her, shaking and really nervous when we tried to help her," Chrissy said.

"We believe a dog bit her multiple times and she was lucky not to have been killed in the attack because it at that age even an extensive shock can kill them.

"It was difficult to calm her down at first because she was so frightened."

After spending three days in the care of specialists at the centre Lightning was released back into the wild. Chrissy said.

"She responded very well to her treatment and we released her back close to where she was found.

"She was very happy to be put and about again, she seemed very comfortable when we released her and hopefully this will be the start of a long and healthy life for her."

Oak and Furrows provide care for around 60 animal patients at any one time. From fallen fledgling birds to hibernating hedgehogs the charity has been providing care to sick and injured wild animals since 1996.

To cope with their increasing demand the charity recently moved from their Somerford Keys base to the Blakehill Farm nature reserve in Wiltshire.

To donate to the charity visit www.justgiving.com/oakandfurrows.