August M
Foxes are a familiar sight in many British gardens, especially during the darker winter months. While some homeowners enjoy watching them roam, others may not realise that trying to scare them away the wrong way could break the law.
Animal welfare groups say good intentions are no defence if illegal methods are used.
According to Express, the RSPCA has warned gardeners that deterring foxes must be done carefully and lawfully. The charity says people risk serious consequences if they use unapproved substances or harmful tactics to move the animals on.
Foxes are among the most commonly spotted wildlife in gardens after birds and squirrels, often scavenging for food scraps near homes.
Love them or not
Many people welcome foxes for clearing leftover food after barbecues or fallen scraps from bins. Others are less enthusiastic, as foxes can dig up lawns, trample flowerbeds and sometimes target small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs.
The nocturnal animals are particularly active during winter evenings, using the cover of darkness to forage near houses.
The RSPCA says problems often arise when people try to remove foxes without understanding how territorial they are, notes Express.
Legal limits
The charity says deterring foxes is not straightforward and warned against unapproved products.
“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,” the RSPCA said.
“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 hasn’t been approved for that use,” notes Express.
Why removal fails
The RSPCA also cautioned against capturing and relocating foxes, saying it rarely solves the issue.
“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 fox 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.”
Poison strictly banned
According to Express, the charity stressed that poisoning foxes is illegal and can trigger a criminal investigation.
“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,” the RSPCA said.
Instead, gardeners are urged to remove food sources and use non-harmful deterrents so foxes move on naturally.
Sources: Express, RSPCA
