RSPCA rescue fox tangled in barbed wire fence near Hartlepool river

A member of the public spotted the poor fox who had become trapped with his back leg tangled in a barbed wire fence near a river off Fieldfare Road, in Hartlepool.

The RSPCA was called on Friday, January 22, where Inspector Gemma Lynch managed to untangle the fox from the fence and take him to a vet to be checked over.

It is unclear how long the fox had been trapped before the animal welfare charity attended and he need numerous stitches.

Inspector Lynch said: “This poor chap had his back leg tangled in a barbed wire fence and was struggling to get himself free.

"We have no idea how long he had been there but he was lucky to have been spotted by a member of the public who then contacted us for help.

"He was quite stressed but luckily he didn’t have any serious injuries.

"The fox just needed a few stitches for a wound on his leg and was given a shot of antibiotics. I was then able to release him back into the wild near to where he was found.

“He ran off really quickly as soon as he was released so it was a happy ending for this not-so sly fox!”

The charity is expected to rescue thousands of animals from neglect, cruelty and suffering this winter.

For more information on what to do if you come across injured wildlife visit: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals

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