A warning has been issued to anyone with foxes in their garden (Image: Getty)
They’re one of the most commonly sighted visitors to our after birds and squirrels – but if you have foxes in your garden you could end up falling foul of the law.
Many love to see foxes in their garden. The bushy tailed orange vulpines tiptoe through our lawns and driveways in the hunt for food scraps and can often be quite handy, clearing up bits of old meat after a barbecue or cleaning away any food that’s fallen from bins.
But some are not so keen, as can often dig up earth, trample flowerbeds and even go after pets like rabbits and guinea pigs.
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Animal welfare charity the RSPCA is warning anyone who has foxes in their garden that they need to make sure they are following the law if they try to deter them, or you could face serious consequences.
The charity says deterring foxes can be tricky, because often another fox will take its place even after you try to move them on.
It said: “You may enjoy seeing foxes in your garden but your neighbours may not! They might bury the extra food, leave droppings or cause other problems in your neighbour’s gardens.
“Use an animal repellent approved for use with foxes – these are widely available from garden centres or hardware stores.
“[But] It’s illegal to use any substance to deter foxes that haven’t been approved for that use.
“Some people may be concerned about foxes in their gardens causing noise or damage. We don’t capture and remove healthy foxes. This seems like a simple solution, but it can harm the fox and often won’t solve the problem.
“If a is moved and released elsewhere this will be in another fox’s territory. There’s the chance the fox could be attacked by the other fox, and struggle to find food or shelter in an unfamiliar place.”
The charity urges gardeners to instead use ‘non harmful’ methods of deterrence, such as scatter granules.
It says that using poison is strictly forbidden and any cases of poisoned foxes can lead to a criminal investigation.
The charity continued: “The best solution for you and the fox is to use the non-harmful methods of deterrence described above. If a fox is removed from the garden, but the environment stays the same, then other foxes will move in to take advantage of the empty territory. If you can remove whatever was attracting the fox – such as food sources or shelter – then this fox will leave, and other foxes won’t move in.
“It’s illegal to poison foxes. The government’s Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme looks into the deaths of wildlife where pesticide poisoning may be involved.
“If you find a dead fox that you suspect has been poisoned, or find evidence of a pesticide that puts foxes or wildlife at risk, please visit the Scheme’s website for further guidance.
“Don’t touch the dead animal or bait, as some poisons can pass through the skin.”