The RSPCA has issued a warning about the dangers of netting after rescuing two foxes.
The foxes were found trapped in netting on Saturday, January 4.
One was caught in a football goal net in Twickenham and the other in garden netting in Kent.
The animal charity said these incidents highlight the threat netting poses to wildlife, particularly foxes and hedgehogs.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson came to the aid of a vixen trapped in a football goal on playing fields at Waldegrave School.
The netting was wrapped around the fox’s stomach and leg.
(Image: RSPCA)
Ms Wilson used a grasper and cutting tool to free the animal before taking her for treatment at the Wildlife Aid rescue centre in Leatherhead.
She said: “I noticed there were other goals on the field where the nets had been pulled up, but this netting had only been pulled halfway up the goal.
“We always urge anyone using netting for sports activities to remove and store it away properly after games.
“Discarded or old netting should also be put safely in a bin.
“It’s possible the fox was trapped overnight, but I managed to free and catch her, although it was clear she needed some medical assistance.
“There was blood on her leg, which was swollen, and although fortunately they turned out to be only superficial wounds, the situation could have been a lot worse.”
On the same day, RSPCA animal rescue officer Brian Milligan went to a property in Manor Lane, Rochester, where a fox was caught in garden netting in the front garden.
(Image: RSPCA)
The officer cut the fox free and, after checking that the mammal had not sustained any injuries, he was able to release the fox at the location.
The RSPCA said netted fencing in gardens can also be dangerous to wildlife and householders should exercise caution with its use.
In 2022, the RSPCA received 1,798 calls about animals trapped in netting, including 315 wild mammals, of which 167 were foxes and 62 were hedgehogs.
Garden netting, such as that used on ponds, should ideally be replaced with solid metal mesh.
The RSPCA said if people find foxes trapped in situations like this, they should phone the RSPCA on the emergency line number 0300 1234 999.
The RSPCA is also asking people to join its Winter Rescue by donating online at rspca.org.uk/winterappeal.