In a bid to defuse 'Blue Monday' - and to promote the amazing work it does - the RSPCA has released details of animal rescues in 2023.
While elsewhere in the country snakes, swan and horse have been rescued, in London, it is foxes which have benefited most from animal officers' efforts.
The curious urban mammals have an unfortunate habit of getting their heads stuck in all kinds of places.
Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner from the animal charity’s frontline rescuers, said: “We know that many believe Blue Monday to be one of the days people find most difficult. But we hope showcase how animal lovers have helped us help so many animals over the last year and beyond will put a smile on people's faces this Blue Monday.
“For 200 years, the RSPCA has been working tirelessly to bring animals to safety and give them the expert treatment and compassion they deserve - but we can’t do that without the support of fellow animal lovers. We’re asking animal lovers to join the winter rescue by donating to help rescue teams reach the thousands of animals who desperately need them.”
For 200 years, the RSPCA has been helping animals. Every day the country’s oldest animal welfare charity rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes hundreds of animals. In the last 10 years, it has found new homes for 111 pets every day.
1. Fox cub stuck in fence
A curious fox cub got his head jammed in Teddington in May. RSPCA animal rescue officer Jade Guthrie said: “I suspect he had been trying to jump through the gap, but missed, slipped down, and got trapped around the neck as the gap narrowed nearer to the ground...Luckily, I was able to pull back the panel and gently ease him out. He was clearly very relieved as he dashed away into the bushes to be reunited with his family.” Photo: RSPCA
2. Fox in wheel
The poor fox was rescued after a member of the public spotted him struggling in October outside a storage yard in New Malden. RSPCA animal rescue officer Sam Matthews said: “His head was right in the middle of the wheel. I managed to get the fox and the wheel into my van. At no point did the fox put up a struggle. When I got to Wildlife Aid, rescue centre staff were ready and waiting. They managed to manipulate his ear out of the hole. He didn’t have any injuries - just a swollen face. This was a brand new tyre that had only been put there the night before. It’s always worth thinking about storing equipment out of reach of wildlife.” Photo: RSPCA
3. Fox in gate
A fox caught up in a metal gate at a house in Sutton was freed by the RSPCA in November. After his head and front end became wedged, an effort to break free entrapped his rear leg in the ornamental curl of the gate. RSPCA animal rescue officer Louis Horton said: “This poor fox was absolutely wedged in by both his front and back end. His body ended up being bent in a U shape between the metal bars and while he was uninjured there was some blood on the floor where he had been scratching with his claws but otherwise he was uninjured.”. Photo: RSPCA
4. Swan in The Sawmills studio
The Sawmills recording studio in Cornwall has hosted everyone from Oasis to Jessie J. In July this swan paid a visit. The exclusive facility is accessible only by boat, and RSPCA inspector Paul Kempson made a journey up the river to rescue the injured bird. Photo: RSPCA