Deer stuck upside-down in four-inch fence gap in Fulbourn rescued by RSPCA
A muntjac deer that became wedged upside-down in a very narrow space between a fence and a shed was rescued by the RSPCA.
The desperate animal was spotted by a Fulbourn householder, who contacted the animal charity for help.
RSPCA inspector Alex Coghlan said: “This poor little muntjac deer was screaming in distress. He was well and truly stuck upside-down in an incredibly narrow space - it was no more than four inch gap - between the garden shed and the fence.
“It was a really awkward position to carry out a rescue, but luckily the concerned householder agreed that we could break the fence apart so I could gain better access to the stricken animal.
“Once I had more space, I was able to secure the deer gently with my special grasper and eased him out of the narrow gap successfully. I wanted to check he had no major injuries so watched him walk a little first and was reassured that other than a couple of minor grazes, he was in good condition.
“We decided it would be safer to wait until dark for the little deer to leave the garden, so I asked the householder to open his gates to the outside world once the sun had gone down. Happily, as planned, the little deer left the garden that evening and has now returned safely to the wild. My thanks go to Mr Osbourne for contacting us so quickly and also for agreeing for us to break his fence.”
Householder Robin Osbourne added: “I’d discovered the trapped deer after hearing a scrambling noise and squealing in the garden. It’s the first time I’ve called the RSPCA and Alex was brilliant. I’m very grateful to her for rescuing the poor muntjac. Hopefully the deer won’t get himself into any more trouble.”
Muntjac deer - which are considered an invasive alien species - cannot legally be released back into the wild if taken into care for rehabilitation or treatment. They can only be legally released in situ, as was the case here.
To report an animal in distress, contact the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999. To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, visit https://bit.ly/3rJyLxw.
Read more
