The RSPCA has issued an urgent warning to anyone using football nets in their back garden this summer. With the World Cup in full swing, families across the nation are organizing their own matches, but the charity is urging players to clear away nets after use to protect local wildlife.
Why Football Nets Are Dangerous
The animal welfare charity highlighted that back-garden nets frequently cause problems for animals. Nets in outdoor spaces such as parks and beaches also pose a risk. As trapped animals struggle, the netting tightens, sometimes leading to severe or fatal injuries.
Real-Life Hedgehog Rescue
Posting on Facebook, the RSPCA shared a real-life hedgehog rescue to draw attention to the issue. The charity said: "Let's make the 'beautiful game' more beautiful. Too often, we see wild animals tangled in back-garden goal netting - like this poor hedgehog. Any tighter and this hog could've suffered severe or fatal injuries. Luckily, they were caught in time, safely untangled, monitored and released back to the wild by RSPCA Stapeley Grange. The reality is that not every animal gets that lucky."
Public Response
The post garnered hundreds of likes, with commenters taking the message firmly on board. One response read: "Put the net away once you've finished using it! Better still, if it's just practice or in the back garden, refrain from using a net at all if you can't be bothered to spend two minutes putting it back in the shed." Another commenter noted that schools are among the worst offenders, adding that institutions should teach children about the dangers netting poses to wildlife.
How to Help Hedgehogs
The RSPCA website advises that hedgehogs are nocturnal and more likely to be seen at night. Before hibernation season (November to mid-March), they forage for food and nesting material. If you spot a hedgehog during the daytime, it may be sick or injured. Leaving food and fresh water in shallow bowls each night can encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. Tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits are suitable options.
