A WILDLIFE hospital in south Essex has pleaded with people to remove “decorative fence spikes” after the death of a fox.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital say they attended an incident in south Essex over the weekend after a male fox had got stuck in a gate.

However, on arrival, it was found that a fence spike had gone through the abdomen of the fox.

Sadly, despite the hospital's best efforts, the fox passed away.

They have since urged residents to think twice before installing these decorative fence spikes as they cause “so many injuries to animals every year”.

A spokesman said: “We are sorry to say that it is not a happy story but one that we feel needs to be shared.

“We were called by the Fire Brigade after a male fox who had somehow managed to become stuck in a gate. We raced to the scene and soon found the horrifying truth that the poor fox was impaled through the abdomen on one of the fence spikes.

“Calling ahead to make sure our surgical theatre was prepped for emergency surgery, vet Tom carefully lifted the poor fox free and, after managing the bleeding, raced back to the hospital.

“Sadly, the poor thing was just too weak and passed away shortly after arrival in theatre.

“These decorative fence spikes cause so many injuries to wild animals each and every year. This is not the first time we have seen this, and it will sadly not be the last, but please think of wildlife animals when planning your exterior decorations. Cases like this are completely avoidable.”