Deer freed after being trapped on fence post for 6 hours

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

A fallow stag that was trapped on an electric fence after getting its antlers tangled in tape was freed by the RSPCA following a six hour rescue mission.

The animal charity was called by a concerned homeowner who spotted the stricken deer in a field at the back of his property in Erewash, Derbys., England last Tuesday, September 6.

RSPCA inspectors attended the scene at Brackley Gate at around 10:30 A.M. and found the frightened animal had got trapped while trying to reach a nearby apple tree.

Several feet of electric fencing tape had become tightly wound around the stag's antlers, which was still attached to the fence post.

A decision was made to sedate the deer before rescuers worked to untangle the tape and release it back into the wild at around 4:30 P.M.

A fallow stag who was caught on a fence post by electric fencing tape which had become wrapped around his antlers has been successfully returned to the wild after a six-hour rescue operation. (RSPCA via SWNS)

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“When I arrived, the stag was standing up but I couldn't get anywhere near him as he was thrashing around, rearing, bucking and throwing himself high into the air in an attempt to get free," said RSPCA inspector Pamela Bird.

“It was simply too dangerous for anyone to go within about 20 meters of him, so the decision was made to sedate him so we could approach safely and begin the job of untangling the tape and releasing him.”

RSPCA inspector Nichola Waterworth, who is specially trained to dart animals, was called to assist and vet Christine Jamieson, from nearby Morley Veterinary Practice.

Once the deer was sedated and calm, the rescue team removed the tape and it was checked over by the vet who found it to be uninjured.

“We monitored him from nearby and we were able to see him regain consciousness and get back on his feet at about 4:30 P.M.," Pamela said.

"It was a long rescue, and he was clearly exhausted from thrashing around for so long, but it was very much a team effort, and our thanks go to Morley Veterinary Practice.

“It’s always the best part of the job to see such a beautiful animal finally free and heading back into the wild.”

The electric fencing had been put up to contain the homeowner’s two horses and it’s thought the deer may have become tangled after trying to reach apples on nearby trees.

The RSPCA is now urging people to pack netting away when not in use, and to ensure fencing is intact and regularly checked to ensure no wildlife has become tangled.