RSPCA issues animal warning around back garden football

The RSPCA has issued a warning about the dangers of unsecured goal netting in back gardens as football fever grips the country. The warning follows a number of incidents involving wildlife becoming trapped around the country.

Animal Rescue Officers Joanna Thorpe and Emma Baker were called out to a garden in Grundisburgh, Suffolk where a deer had become trapped in football netting around its neck, head and legs, with bleeding around the head and antler buds. The officers freed the deer and released it back into the wild.

ARO Joanna said: "It's fortunate that the poor deer was spotted when he was. The netting had become wrapped around multiple parts of his body and he was clearly distressed."

Wild animals can quickly panic when they become trapped, which can lead to serious injuries as they struggle to escape. In some cases animals can suffer fatal injuries or die from stress after becoming entangled.

In North London, ARO Nicola Thomas was called out to a school on June 15 where a young fox had become stuck. The fox was struggling to free himself and was released but taken to Essex Wildlife Hospital for assessment and treatment. The fox made a good recovery and was released into the wild a few days later.

ARO Nicola Thomas said: "This young fox was very lucky to be found when he was and we are so grateful to the staff member who alerted us. The netting had become tightly wrapped around his neck and it was clear he needed veterinary attention after being freed."

Young foxes are naturally curious and spend much of their time exploring. The RSPCA is urging anyone using football goals this summer to put nets and equipment away after use, which could save an animal's life.