The RSPCA is urging people with gardens to do one final check before they go to bed. This simple task could save lives.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 inspires football fans to get outside and score goals, the animal welfare charity is renewing its appeal to safely store goal netting away after use. The warning follows a number of incidents in which wildlife has become trapped in unattended football nets, with officials stressing that “wild animals can quickly panic when they become trapped.”
The call also comes as the charity’s Summer of Kindness drive continues. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officers (AROs) Joanna Thorpe and Emma Baker were recently called to a garden in Grundisburgh, Suffolk, after a deer was discovered 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.
View 3 ImagesFootball fans have been urged to pack any nets away when not in use(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 follows several similar incidents attended by the RSPCA since the start of the World Cup, including a young fox rescued after becoming trapped in football goal netting in north London.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Nicola Thomas was called to the school on June 15 after the fox was discovered tightly entangled in football goal netting.
View 3 ImagesAnimals like Deer can easily become trapped(Image: RSPCA)
Nicola found the young fox struggling to free itself after becoming caught in the mesh. She carefully released it from the netting, but due to concerns about possible injuries caused by the tight material around its neck, it was taken to Essex Wildlife Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Thankfully, after receiving care from wildlife experts at the hospital, he made a good recovery, and the RSPCA released him back into the wild 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.
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“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.