Fox rescued from construction netting around neck

A rescued fox cub is recovering after his neck got tightly entangled in construction netting.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue said the pup - named Boots because he has one white "boot" alongside his other black feet - panicked when he got caught up in the mesh fencing near Witney, causing injuries to his neck.

A nearby resident found the animal and gave him shelter before wildlife medics collected the stricken fox and removed the netting.

The charity, which is based in Blewbury, is currently keeping Boots under "close watch".

A spokesperson said: "Thankfully, he was found and rescued by a very kind neighbour, and after taking our advice, he was kept safe until one of our wildlife ambulances could come and check him over.

"He's since had the netting removed, he has a swollen neck and a very tired, sore throat from constantly and frantically calling for help.

"However, he will need to stay here under the close watch of our patient care team, as with all constriction injuries complications can take anywhere from a couple of hours through to 14 days to become apparent.

"He's been placed on anti-inflammatory pain relief, and prevention plans towards pressure injuries, in order to help make him feel much better."

The charity advised people to "never simply cut them free", when it comes to animals stuck in fencing.

It said this was because constriction injuries could "take up to 14 days to reveal themselves" and "in order to help them [the animal], they must receive treatment and prevention methods by trained and experienced wildlife care professionals".

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue cares for and rehabilitates sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

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