A hedgehog had to be saved after it got itself tangled in football netting.

The RSPCA was called out to a garden when the animal was found stuck.

The hedgehog was taken to RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre to be checked by the vet and was then monitored before being released back to the area.

Animal collection officer, Brain Milligan, who saved the hedgehog, said: “This incident highlights the real danger posed to cats, foxes, hedgehogs and other wildlife and I would urge anyone who has a football or other sports net to always remove them when not being used.

“If you have a sport netting and you leave it out all the time, unsupervised, then an animal could get itself tangled up in it.
"This can cause horrible and sometimes fatal injuries.

“Please help us to help keep wildlife safe by putting away your sports nets when you have finished playing. It only takes a few minutes and it could save an animal from suffering.”

The incident happened on April 26.

• To contact the RSPCA about an animal in need of help their 24-hour emergency line can be reached on 0300 1234 999 or visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals