RSPCA is urging people with gardens to do one final check before going to bed
You should put them away when not in use(Image: Richard Newstead/Getty)
The RSPCA is encouraging homeowners with gardens to carry out one final check before turning in for the night. And as it turns out, this simple action could prove lifesaving.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 motivating football enthusiasts to head outdoors and practise their skills, the animal welfare organisation is reissuing its plea to store goal netting securely after each use. The alert follows several cases where wildlife has become trapped in unattended football nets, with officials emphasising that “wild animals can quickly panic when they become trapped.”
The appeal also coincides with the charity’s ongoing Summer of Kindness campaign. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) Joanna Thorpe and Emma Baker were recently dispatched to a garden in Grundisburgh, Suffolk, after a deer was found trapped in football netting, having become tangled around his neck, head and legs, with bleeding around his head and antler buds.
After carefully cutting the deer free from the netting and assessing its condition, the officers released it back into the wild.
Wildlife can easily become trapped and distressed(Image: RSPCA)
ARO Joanna said: “It’s fortunate that the poor deer was spotted when he was. The netting had become wrapped around multiple parts of his body and he was clearly distressed.
“Wild animals can quickly panic when they become trapped, which can lead to serious injuries as they struggle to escape. In some cases, animals can suffer fatal injuries or die from stress after becoming entangled.
“Thankfully we were able to free this deer and release him back into the wild, but incidents like this are entirely preventable – and it’s important to know, with the World Cup ongoing, that fans of all ages know how they can help.”
The Suffolk rescue comes after a number of similar incidents attended by the RSPCA since the start of the World Cup, including the rescue of a young fox that became entangled in football goal netting in north London.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Nicola Thomas attended the school on June 15 after the fox was found tightly entangled in football goal netting.
Make sure the task is done before you go to bed incase a fox comes into your garden overnight(Image: RSPCA)
Nicola discovered the young fox struggling to free itself after becoming caught in the mesh. She carefully freed it from the netting, but due to concerns that the tight material around its neck may have caused injuries, it was taken to Essex Wildlife Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Fortunately, after being treated by wildlife experts at the hospital, he recovered well and was released back into the wild by the RSPCA a few days later.
ARO Nicola Thomas said: “This young fox was very lucky to be found when he was, and we are so grateful to the staff member who alerted us. The netting had become tightly wrapped around his neck, and it was clear he needed veterinary attention after being freed.
“Young foxes are naturally curious and spend much of their time exploring. Sadly, that means that when hazards such as loose netting are left out, they can be put in danger.
“Thankfully, this fox has made a full recovery and has been able to return to the wild where he belongs. But incidents like this are completely avoidable and we are urging anyone using football goals this summer to take a few moments to put nets and equipment away after use – it could save an animal’s life.”
For more information on how litter harms wildlife, visit the RSPCA website, where there is also advice on what to do if you find a sick or injured animal.
