Don't free trapped wildlife yourself, animal rescue charity warns (From The Argus)

Don't free trapped wildlife yourself, animal rescue charity warns

1:47pm Tuesday 17th November 2009 in

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Cutting free wildlife caught in fencing could be counter-productive, a wildlife charity has warned.

The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) has issued the warning after a well-meaning member of the public cut free a stag near Hadlow Down, but left wire attached to the antlers.

Trevor Weeks, the charity’s East Sussex co-ordinator, said this could spell danger later on, and urged people to report trapped animals instead.

He said: . "I can see why people think they are doing the right thing by cutting them free but it leaving wire or netting attached is not good as they can get entangled later on and this time they may be away from the road and may not get seen and could die a slow death or get attacked by dogs or foxes."

Luckily a member of the public reported the deer being cut free to the Kit Wilson Trust at Hadlow Down.

The trust found the deer entangled on a nearby, and called in the East Sussex WRAS.

Mr Weeks, his partner Kathy and fellow rescuer Tony Neads from Polegate and staff from the trust cautiously approached the deer from three sides.

Mr Weeks said: “As we approached we were very lucky as the deer managed to pull the small tree stump out of the ground but I was able to pin its antlers and shoulders to the ground and was swiftly joined by the others.

“Staff from Kit Wilson Trust started cutting the wire whilst the deer was pinned to the ground and secured."

The deer had two strands of wire under its head as well as caught round its antlers which would not have worked loose without help.

Once the wire and strands of electric fencing were removed from the deer, Trevor undertook a brief assessment before everyone stood clear releasing the deer, which jumped up and ran off into the woods free and out of danger.

When caught by legs, wings, or round the body in any way, ligature wounds can cause serious internal injuries like Button the baby fallow deer recently rescued at Dane Hill.

More information about Kit Wilson Trust and East Sussex Wildlife Rescue can be found at www.kitwilsontrust.org.uk and at www.wildlifeambulance.org where donations can also be made.