'Terrified' deer trapped in Swayfield prompts netting warning

The RSPCA has issued a warning about the dangers of discarded netting to wildlife after a young buck became entangled at the side of the road in Swayfield.

A member of the public spotted the 'distressed' deer with its head and antlers in a twisted tangle of plastic netting last Wednesday.

RSPCA inspector Andy Bostock rushed to the scene to help the animal, which by this point was running round in circles with its head still trapped.

He said: "The deer was very distressed and panicking. He was able to run in circles but was getting very stressed, and stress can kill deer.

"He was very strong and was kicking around frantically trying to break free. I had to call for assistance to help with the rescue because he could have clearly hurt someone in this state and he was beginning to get exhausted.

"We managed to get close enough to put a blanket on his head which calmed him down, and then we had to subdue him while we cut off the plastic netting. We were then able to get out of the way quickly as he got up and ran free.

"I am so pleased the deer appeared uninjured, he wasn't the only one exhausted afterwards."

Inspector Bostock said the netting had been left behind from when the land used to house pens for rearing game birds and said this incident highlights the importance of clearing netting and plastics away because of the danger it poses to wildlife.

he said: The RSPCA receives hundreds of calls every year to rescue animals which have become entangled in netting, sport or garden nets or fishing litter.

"Netted fencing and netting used for gardening or sports can be really dangerous for animals and also poses a risk for those of us trying to rescue any entangled animal. This is a situation which could have been avoided if the netting had been discarded safely."

Anyone who spots an animal which is trapped, in distress, or in need of help, should contact the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.