Fox rescue at Diglis Playing Fields - animal rescued after hind leg gets stuck in fence

The young fox got trapped in a wire fence at Diglis Playing Fields, Worcester as it left the new wood area, the poor creature left dangling by its hind leg.

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By a stroke of luck, three city dog walkers came to the animal's aid, cutting the wire so the fox could run free again after they put their heads together to come up with a rescue plan. 

David Connellan of Cavendish Street, Worcester, said the rescue effort was a joint one involving himself, Robin Thurlby and Bob who were all walking their dogs at around 5.30am on Sunday.

Mr Connellan, 64, Worcester's Mobile Mechanic based in Vincent Road, off Wyld's Lane, is more used to fixing cars than helping animals but that did not stop him from lending a helping hand when walking his standard Poodle, Kryten.

He believes the young fox was only around six to eight months old.

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Mr Thurlby had already gone home to get a blanket before returning to the fence.

Mr Connellan said: "There was another fox - we could hear it pining from in the undergrowth."

Together they covered the fox's head with Bob's coat so they could examine it without getting bitten, making sure the leg, which was bleeding, was not broken.

Mr Connellan then went home to borrow some tin snips from a neighbour -but said he would have gone to the garage to get some if they did not have any.

While he was at home his wife, Sue, suggested he also bring Aloe Vera Gel to help with the rescue operation, lubricating the back leg.

HELP: The fox was in a desperate position until three dog walkers including Worcester's Mobile Mechanic, David Connellan, came to the rescue

"The choice was to leave the fox to die or to cut a little bit out of the fence," he said.

For the rescue itself, they covered the fox's head with the blanket. Mr Connellan held the fox's head tightly while Mr Thurlby put the Aloe Vera ointment on its leg and Bob cut the wire.

"He ran away perfectly well - there was no limp - he will live to fight another day," said Mr Connellan.

His dog chased the fox - the only animal Kryten is permitted to pursue - after foxes attacked and killed rabbits in their garden. 

"He probably can't understand why I'm helping the thing," said Mr Connellan. 

He added: "Some people hate foxes. I've got nothing against them. It would definitely have died if we had left it - some other dog would have got it."