It began with a call we know all too well: two foxes trapped in football netting.
When our rescue team arrived, the sight was heartbreaking. Both young males were tangled so tightly that they had cuts across their faces and legs, and even broken teeth from desperately trying to free themselves. Exhausted, frightened, and in pain, they had clearly been trapped for hours.
But help had arrived. Carefully, our team set to work cutting away the strands of netting that had become a vice around their bodies. Every snip was made with the utmost care—one wrong move could have caused further injury. At last, the foxes were freed and rushed straight to our veterinary hospital.
Our vet team quickly assessed the damage. The ligature wounds on their legs were concerning, and their broken teeth told the story of just how hard they had fought to escape. They were lucky to be alive.
Recovery wouldn’t be immediate. Over the following days, the foxes were kept under close observation. Wounds were cleaned, pain relief administered, and every sign of progress carefully monitored. Slowly but surely, they began to regain strength. Their fear gave way to curiosity, and their resilience shone through.
And then came the best moment of all—the day they were strong enough to return to the wild. Watching them dart back into the undergrowth, free once more, is why we do what we do.
But while this story has a happy ending, it raises a bigger question: how many more won’t be so lucky? Football and garden netting continues to pose a serious threat to our wild neighbours. The simple act of lifting nets off the ground or storing them away after use could prevent untold suffering.
For these two foxes, rescue, rehab, and release gave them a second chance at life. Let’s make sure others get that same chance-by taking small steps that make a big difference.
When you donate you help towards the costs of looking after all the animals here at the hospital.
Could provide medicine for a sick animal
