A fox who became entangled in a discarded clothes drying rack and severely injured in a back garden has been rescued by the- another reminder of the dangers of discarded objects and litter to

He was trapped by wire on the top of a chest-high pile of rubble and rubbish believed to have been left behind by some builders in Romford, Essex. The charity says this is the latest in countless “avoidable incidents” where wildlife becomes stricken by litter and urged Daily readers to support the upcoming Great British Spring Clean will help spread the word about the importance of not leaving litter lying about, and the role the public can play in keeping animals safe.

The Mirror has partnered this year with for the campaign which runs from 21 March to 6 April. Individuals, groups or schools can pledge their support - and say how many bags of litter they intend to pick up - with more than 425,000 collected in total last year.”

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RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Nicola Thomas headed to the scene.“This poor fox was well and truly trapped. One of his back legs was entangled in some of the plastic-covered cable that was part of an old clothes drying rack, and his struggles to free himself were just making things worse.

“The metal cable was incredibly strong; even my wire cutters - which can normally get through almost anything - were struggling to cut it. I was really concerned about the fox; his head had dropped down into a dip, which was putting extra pressure on his trapped leg, so I used my grasper to hold him up a bit. I finally managed to cut through a cable which allowed me to transport the stricken fox to South Essex Wildlife Hospital, though I had to leave some of the wire still wrapped round his leg for a vet to deal with.

“This is another reminder about the dangers of discarded items and rubbish. Whether it’s in the garden or out and about, we urge people to dispose of their litter safely and responsibly - or recycle where appropriate.”

Earlier this month a tangled deer had to be cut free by firefighters after discarded plastic netting wrapped around his antlers and trapped him in a tree in Welwyn, Herts.. The RSPCA and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue managed to swiftly cut the animal free
Carrie added: “The public can help us protect animals, and avoid these incidents happening in the first place. The RSPCA is urging people to help create a better for every animal by getting involved in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean’.”

CEO of Keep Britain Tidy, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said, “Heartbreaking stories of animals in the wild and beloved pets being injured by litter have become an everyday occurrence. Taking part in the Great British Spring Clean and removing litter from our neighbourhoods and the habitat of local wildlife ensures safer spaces for everyone, our family pets and precious wildlife.

“Of those who responded to a survey about the Great British Spring Clean last year, almost 96% said they felt taking part reduces the impacts of litter on wildlife and the environment. This story goes to show that if you are an animal lover, joining the Great British Spring Clean is an absolute must.”

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