RSPCA criticised for fox advice
Pest control experts have recently criticised the RSPCA for their "living with foxes" fact sheet, as it gives advice on suitable foods to leave out for foxes.
The fact sheet, available on the charity's website says "cheese, boiled potatoes, raw chicken pieces, bread and table scraps" can be placed in the garden to "help foxes living in the area." The fact sheet notes that "some people are not keen on foxes, but many enjoy seeing, and perhaps feeding, them in their garden," and providing food could "give you a chance to watch" the foxes.
In light of the recent fox attack on a baby however, the RSPCA have been criticised for leaving the information on their website, though the fact sheet also offers advice about how to deter foxes from the garden.
In a statement after the recent fox attack, the charity advised against feeding the animals as it draws them to the house: "They can become quite bold, but they usually do back off and run away when there's people around." A spokesperson for the charity added it is "extremely unusual" for foxes to attack children.
Pest control expert Peter Crowden however, dubbed the RSPCA "irresponsible" for offering advice on feeding foxes, and the National Pest Technicians Association have blamed fox feeding for their rising numbers in homes. Chief executive John Davidson of the association claims foxes have got used to people and wander into homes expecting food.
Referring to their website's advice on foxes the RSPCA said: "The fact sheet referred to makes it clear that the most humane and long-term solution is to discourage foxes from your garden by removing or preventing access to what attracts them - however some people are determined to feed wild animals in their garden.
"As stated in the fact sheet the RSPCA (as an animal welfare charity) often get asked about foxes, including what food they eat, as well as what risks foxes pose or how they can be deterred from gardens. The fact sheet deals with each of these issues. To be clear, the RSPCA does not encourage or endorse the feeding of foxes."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
