A STAG fallow deer caught up in hessian and nylon netting has been rescued by the RSPCA.

The rescue was carried out after the animal was spotted snared in rubbish near Ranscombe Farm Cottages at Cuxton, near Rochester, just off the A228.

The deer was unable to release himself and had become extremely agitated.

RSPCA animal collection officer Zenon Brown, trainee animal collection officer Brian Milligan, chief inspector Steve Dockery and inspector Dave Grant arrived and managed to get hold the deer and pull him to the ground with a blanket.

They then spent around 15 minutes cutting the hessian from his antlers before setting the uninjured deer free.

ACO Brown said: "It was extremely difficult and quite dangerous as the deer did not want to be caught and kept charging at us. However, if we hadn't been called he could have done serious injury to himself."

He stressed: "This just shows the importance of clearing up rubbish."

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE RSPCA