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The RSPCA says unsecured goal netting left in gardens and green spaces can pose a serious risk to wildlife, particularly during the summer months when young animals are exploring. 

And the charity says that while it is “great” many people will spend more time outdoors having a kick-about as football fever grows during the tournament, more temporary goals and netting being left out in gardens and community spaces could be a real ‘own goal’ for wildlife.

The appeal is backed by former Sky Sports News presenter and RSPCA supporter Kirsty Gallacher, who is urging fans to think about wildlife once the penalties have all been taken.

And the charity has of two young girls - dubbed ‘netting ninjas’ - putting their goal netting away after finishing a back-garden match. 

Deer rescued from garden netting in Surrey

Recently, a fallow buck had to be rescued after becoming heavily entangled in football netting at a property in Caterham, Surrey.
The deer had become tightly caught in netting and was discovered struggling in the garden by a decorator working at the property while the owners were away.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officers (AROs), Marie Stevens, Nick Jonas and Paige Havlin were called and the buck was safely freed and released back into a suitable area nearby.

ARO Marie said: “It’s difficult to know how long this poor deer had been trapped, but we’re so grateful he was spotted.
“It was clear that we needed to act carefully and quickly to save him. Deer are particularly susceptible to stress and, in many cases, tragically do not survive for very long after being trapped due to stress-induced muscle breakdown. 

“Sadly, in some cases, it is kinder and the best option for their welfare to put them to sleep to prevent the risk of a painful death hours later. However, following a thorough assessment, we were delighted to be able to release the deer back to the wild.

“But we cannot forget that this incident could have been avoided - if the goals had been put away.”

Fox cub rescues highlight seasonal risk

The Surrey deer rescue is not an isolated case. Officers have also responded to a number of incidents involving young foxes becoming trapped in football goal netting.

Officers from the charity have also attended several incidents involving fox cubs becoming entangled in football goal netting.

ARO Ellie Barnes-Wilson was called to rescue two tiny fox cubs after they became tightly tangled in football goal netting while exploring a garden in London. When she arrived, the cubs were trapped in the mesh and struggling to free themselves.

“The netting was extremely tight around their little bodies,” said Ellie. “They were lucky to still be so bright and alert.”

After carefully cutting the cubs free, Ellie discovered both animals had bruising and swelling around their necks and legs caused by the tight netting.

Concerned about their injuries, the cubs were transferred to a wildlife hospital for observation and treatment. Thankfully, rescuers expect the pair to make a full recovery before being returned to their den once they are well enough.

Ellie added: “People often don’t realise how dangerous loose netting can be for wildlife. Fortunately, these cubs were incredibly lucky to have been found in time.

“It's great that so many people will be spending time outdoors, inspired by the World Cup and their sporting heroes on TV. But, after the games are done, the netting always needs to go away.”

RSPCA supporter and iconic sports broadcaster, Kirsty Gallacher, supports the RSPCA’s warning, adding that the issue is an important reminder, particularly during major football tournaments.

She said “Throughout my career in sports broadcasting, I have seen how major football tournaments bring people together like nothing else. With the World Cup set to captivate millions of fans this summer - and with England and Scotland both involved - there’ll also be loads of people heading out for a kickabout, including in back gardens, local parks and green spaces. But when the game is done, it’s important to remember that goal netting can sadly be really dangerous for wildlife if left out or not put away properly.

“Animals, particularly young fox cubs, are naturally curious and can easily become trapped as they explore their local areas. Packing nets and equipment away after use is such a simple thing we can do, but it really can make all the difference in protecting the wildlife sharing our local communities, while still enjoying the beautiful game. It's a small act that can make a big difference for our nation’s wildlife this summer.”

The charity is also urging members of the public to get involved with helping their local communities this summer, and joining in with a litter pick, as part of the RSPCA’s Summer of Kindness.

Members of the public can also sign up to become an , the charity’s volunteering scheme aiming to change the lives of animals for the better. By volunteering and taking action for animals in their communities, the microvolunteers taking part will not only be helping wildlife but will also be ensuring that the RSPCA’s frontline staff have more time to focus on tackling cruelty and neglect. 

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.