Fiona Thorburn with fox

A fox has been released back into the wild by the Scottish SPCA after becoming trapped in a collapsed washing line in Edinburgh.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on Friday (16 January) after a member of the public spotted the animal tangled in a broken clothes line in his garden in Broomhouse Grove.

The fox was freed by animal rescue officer Fiona Thorburn who then took him to the Royal Dick Vet in Edinburgh where he was assessed for injuries.

Fiona said, “The poor fox had gotten himself well and truly tangled and must have been quite frightened. Luckily, the fox didn’t come to any harm as a result of his sticky situation and I was able to release him so he could be on his way.

“Unfortunately wild animals can often find themselves trapped by everyday objects which have been left lying outside. As such, we’re keen to encourage people to tidy away any kind of wire or netting when it is not in use as it could save an animal’s life.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Photo by Scottish SPCA

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.