Injured fox found trapped in football net
The Scottish SPCA is urging people to dispose of litter responsibly after a fox was found severely wounded after becoming entangled in a discarded football net.
We were alerted after a member of the public discovered the juvenile vixen in Knightswood, Glasgow, on Wednesday (24 October).
The fox had suffered severe lacerations to her abdomen and the backs of her legs. Sadly, the kindest and only humane option was to put her to sleep and end any further suffering.
Animal Rescue Officer Ashley Griffin said, "The caller found the fox with a football net wound tightly around her which had resulted in terrible injuries.
"She was in a great deal of pain and was extremely distressed as she had been struggling to try and free herself from the netting.
"The spot where she was found is separated from a residential area by a wall so it's possible the net has been thrown over by someone who no longer wanted it.
"Sadly we see a lot of this type of injury among wild animals. Birds and hedgehogs in particular are often found tangled in football nets and many don't survive.
"We're very keen to encourage people to tidy away nets when they are not in use and to dispose of them responsibly if they are no longer wanted.
"General rubbish such as glass, cans and plastic also pose a significant risk so we're appealing to the public to consider the welfare of animals and clear up after themselves. It really could save an animal's life."
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.