A BIRD of prey was rescued by the RSPCA after it became entangled in sports netting.
The red kite was stuck in the garden of a private residence in Wokingham on Thursday, May 11, before it was eventually released and flew back to its nest.
RSPCA inspector Jo Bowling was called to the incident to assist after the bird got further wrapped in the netting after moving around in an attempt to free itself.
She said: “As soon as it was free it flew back up the tree where it was nesting with its partner. Luckily the netting was wrapped around its body and not cutting into its wings, so it was able to fly free.
“We often get called out to foxes trapped in netting and once an owl, but rarely a red kite. It just goes to show all wildlife is at risk of getting caught in them. Unused football and cricket nets are a nightmare hazard for wildlife especially this time of year.
“This bird had a lucky escape. Very sadly many animals trapped in nets suffer fatal injuries, often as a result of struggling to get free.
She added that the best way to prevent this from happening is to remove sports nets after use and to store them away safely.
Ms Bowling said: “It only takes a few minutes and yet it could save an animal from suffering a horrible death.
“Where netting can’t be removed, such as pond or fruit netting, we recommend replacing them with solid metal mesh.”
Last year, the animal welfare charity took almost 1,800 calls relating to animals entangled in netting.
