RSPCA issues World Cup warning after wildlife caught in goal netting

The RSPCA is urging football fans to store goal nets safely after finding deer and foxes caught in the nets during the World Cup.

Unsecured goal nets can pose a serious danger to wildlife if tangled, causing serious injuries and potentially fatal stress. The wildlife charity has issued a warning after seeing an increase in incidents since the start of the World Cup.

Animal rescue workers Joanna Thorpe and Emma Baker recently helped a deer stuck in a football net in Grundisburgh, Suffolk. The net wrapped around his neck, head and legs, causing bleeding around his head and horn buds.

Rescue teams freed the deer from the nets and, after assessing the deer’s condition, released the animal back into the wild.

Ms Thorpe said: “It was very fortunate that the poor deer was spotted when he was spotted. The net was tangled in many parts of his body and he was clearly distressed.”

“Wild animals quickly panic when trapped, which can lead to serious injuries as they try to escape. In some cases, animals can suffer fatal injuries or die from stress after being trapped.”

“Luckily we were able to free this deer and release it back into the wild, but incidents like this are completely preventable – and as the World Cup continues it’s important for fans of all ages to know how they can help.”

In another incident, a young fox became trapped in football goal nets in north London. Animal rescue worker Nicola Thomas was called to the school on June 15.

Miss Thomas saw the fox struggling to free itself after being caught in the net. He carefully freed the fox from the net, but the fox was taken to the Essex Wildlife Hospital for further treatment for neck injuries.

The fox was released back into the wild a few days later.

“The net was wrapped tightly around his neck and it was clear he needed veterinary attention once he was released,” Ms Thomas said.

“Young foxes are naturally curious and spend much of their time exploring. Unfortunately, this means they can become endangered when hazards such as loose nets are ignored.

“Thankfully this fox made a full recovery and was able to return to the wild where he belongs. But incidents like this are completely preventable and we would urge anyone using football goals this summer to take a few minutes to put away nets and equipment after use – this could save an animal’s life.”