Hapless fox saved by Leatherhead charity after getting trapped in a plant pot

The fox was taken to Wildlife Aid Foundation where they were able to wriggle its head free from the pot

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An hapless fox spent over three hours with its head stuck inside a ceramic garden pot. Rescuers believe the animal became trapped in the ornament after hunting a mouse.

The vixen was found in Wallington on Wednesday afternoon. The homeowner initially appealed for help on social media, with several people suggesting they smash the pot.

But the plea for help was answered by Wallington Animal Rescue. Neil Blackwell and his team arrived to free the trapped fox.

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Neil said: "Our team attended and made an assessment as well as a few attempts to release her, sadly to no avail. We know people meant well by suggesting smashing the jar, but this absolutely, positively has to be the last resort and should only be attempted with sufficient wildlife rescue resources on scene.

"As the fox was showing no signs of respiratory distress or suffocation the team made the decision to transfer her to Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF). There it could be removed under controlled conditions."

The fox was driven several miles to WAF's wildlife hospital and rehabilitation centre in Leatherhead. The charity operates a fully-equipped veterinary hospital.

With the help of its team of vets, WAF founder Simon Cowell set to work on freeing the animal. He said: “Luckily, the pot wasn’t too tight around her neck, so we were able to gently wriggle her head back out without having to sedate her or break the pot.

"The only thing that was hurt was her pride. Foxes are supposed to be clever, but this one was obviously the exception to the rule.”

After being released from the pottery, the fox was checked for injuries and was deemed fit and healthy. She was returned to the wild three hours later.

The rescuers then discovered why the fox had become wedged in the pot. They found a mouse in the bottom, however, they said it had not survived the ordeal.

Simon added: “That several members of the public took to Facebook and suggested the homeowner smash the pot is concerning. Not only do you risk injury and hearing loss to the fox, but if the pot had only broken partially, she would still have needed help but would have been much harder to catch.

"Thankfully this was a one-in-a-thousand incident, although we have rescued a fox with its head in a car wheel before. If anyone encounters an animal in a similar situation in the future, please call the experts.”

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