DSPCA urges families to remove goal posts from gardens each night amid rise in injuries
"Wild animals are getting caught and tangled in the nets"
The DSPCA has issued a warning to homeowners amid a rise in wild animals being injured overnight.
The Dublin-based charity says football goals are becoming an issue, and more and more animals are being found tangled in the nets.
Over the past few weeks, several animals like hedgehogs, foxes, and even large birds, have been injured by football nets and washing lines that are left out while not in use.
A spokesperson for the DSPCA, Gillian Bird, said that animal's lives will be saved if people - including schools and football teams - bring their nets inside when they're not using them.
Another poor victim of a football net 😣. Thankfully our inspector was able to cut him free and he ran off. Can we please AGAIN remind you to put football nets away after play and protect our wildlife #animalrescue #fox #dspca pic.twitter.com/QSdElBQnqt
— DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) May 10, 2023
Ms. Bird went on to say that when an animal become stuck in these nets, they have to be cut free - meaning the actual goal will be ruined anyway, so bringing them inside at night will save families having to replace them.
She said: "What's happening is that wild animals are getting caught and tangled in the nets.
“We've had quite a few cases recently with hedgehogs and foxes getting caught in them.
“We even had a seagull getting caught in a clothesline the other day.
"Please don't leave nets out on goalposts overnight.
“If kids aren't going to be playing football, take them in, because it will save lives."
