The RSPCA is urging people with gardens to check for and safely store football goal netting after use, as the FIFA World Cup 2026 inspires fans to play outdoors. The animal welfare charity warns that unattended nets can trap wildlife, causing serious injuries or death.
Recent Rescues Highlight Danger
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officers Joanna Thorpe and Emma Baker were called to a garden in Grundisburgh, Suffolk, where a deer was found entangled in football netting. The netting was wrapped around its neck, head, and legs, causing bleeding around its head and antler buds. The officers carefully cut the deer free and released it back into the wild.
ARO Joanna Thorpe 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.”
Fox Rescue in North London
In another incident, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Nicola Thomas was called to a school in north London on June 15 after a young fox became tightly entangled in football goal netting. Nicola carefully released the fox, but due to concerns about injuries from the tight material around its neck, it was taken to Essex Wildlife Hospital for treatment. After a full recovery, the fox was released back into the wild.
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.”
Preventable Incidents
The RSPCA stresses that these incidents are entirely preventable. The charity urges football fans to take a few moments to put nets and equipment away after use. The warning is part of the RSPCA's Summer of Kindness campaign, which promotes animal welfare during the summer months.
For more information on how litter and garden hazards harm wildlife, visit the RSPCA website, where advice is also available on what to do if you find a sick or injured animal.
