'Foxes need your help' - Fox rescue warns of cruelty to foxes

Steve Mason has run a fox sanctuary from his home in North Baddesley for the last eight years.

He said: “You don’t find many people that care about the wellbeing of foxes. People think that these animals are vermin – but they aren’t.

Steve releases the foxes back into the wild when they are not and healthy (Image: Steve Mason)“They are a great pest control; they keep down the rats and they are beautiful animals.

“The more housing estates we build, the more these foxes have to come into urban areas.

"People get upset when foxes come into their gardens but where are these animals to go now we keep taking their land.”

The animal rescuer finds foxes that are injured or unwell and nurses them back to health before releasing them when they are fit and healthy.

“I often find foxes that have been shot with air rifles. People also leave out poison that the foxes ingest – Its not right that people can be this cruel to foxes.

“A few weeks ago, someone came to my sanctuary and cut the wire and throw slug pellets in the enclosure.

Lucy kept returning to steal Steve's cats toys and stash the in the woods, after he released her (Image: Steve Mason)“This meant that unfortunately two foxes that were not due to be released got out – as a result I have now installed cameras.

“I have always loved and grew up around animals – that is why I do this, I get great joy out of looking after them.”

The animal lover said that he built the large enclosure in his back garden last year and has also converted his garage into an animal medical centre.  

“The condition that I treat foxes with the most is called Mange. It is a condition caused by microscopic mites that means the foxes skin becomes crusty and their hair falls out.”

Steve uses his own money as well as donations to fund Vet bills, food and other supplies needed to treat the foxes.

He works closely with, Foxangles, an organisation dedicated to helping foxes. Steve is the local fox rescuer in the Southampton area but has even gone as far as Farnborough for a rescue.

The fox carer urged residents to donate in order to combat the persecution of foxes.