DSPCA appeals to clubs and schools to remove goal nets to protect animals

A cat caught in net in a back garden. Pictures: DSPCA

The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is appealing to sporting clubs and schools around the country to take down their nets after a game to protect animals and wildlife.

The charity said it is experiencing a rise in the number of calls to its helpline about animals caught up in football and GAA nets.

One image seen by the Irish Examiner shows a hedgehog caught in a goal net and a second shows a cat entangled in a net in a back garden.

Gillian Bird, Head of Education, Media, and Public Relations at the DSCPA said “The solution is so simple, when your game is over, take your net down.

“We are seeing more and more animals such as cats, hedgehogs, and birds caught up in nets on sporting grounds.

“Some families have goals in their gardens too and then suddenly, their cat is caught up in it."

She warned that in addition to scaring the animals, being caught can result in serious injuries such as dislocations or broken limbs as they struggle to free themselves. 

A hedgehog caught in a net.

Renowned wildlife rescuer Pearse Stokes from Dublin, who volunteers with Kildare Wildlife Rescue, told the Irish Examiner : “Netting problems happen more often than you'd think.

“And while it's busier at some times of the year it does happen all year round. Hedgehogs probably make up the bulk of cases and can recover well.

“Foxes and birds get caught too and often end up very badly injured.

“If you see an animal in netting the first thing to do is to reduce stress and reduce anything that encourages the animal to move.

“Pets and kids need to be removed from the area. Then, from a distance the scene should be caught on video and sent to your local wildlife rescue centre.

“Keep people and animals away from the animal (leave it in peace) until a wildlife rescuer can secure it and get it into care.

“And an important warning, animals who get tangled can suffer 'constriction complications'. Do not untangle the animal and set it free. It could suffer toxic shock, internal and bleeding, all tangled animals should be seen by a vet”.

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The Irish Examiner reached out to a number of sporting organisations about the matter.

Daniel Lambert from Bohemians FC in Dublin said the club has never experienced any such issues.

He said: “After every game, the nets are removed and that’s it. It's straightforward so we haven’t had this problem at all.” 

Stephen Carrig from Ballyduff FC in Co Kerry said he was “completely unaware” that nets caused potential damage to wildlife and domestic animals.

“Now that I do know, I will be more aware of it, and I’ll bring it up at the next meeting. It’s important," he said.