The Wild Mammal (Protection) Act 1996 protects most mammals from a variety of cruel acts which are intended to cause unnecessary suffering. When a fox has been captured the Protection of Animals Act 1911 can also be used to prosecute those people who ill treat the fox.
Poison: There is no poison that can be legally used on foxes. Use of a poison to kill foxes would lead to either a large fine or imprisonment.
Gassing: Again the use of any gas to kill foxes is illegal.
Spring traps: Can not be used against foxes and traps with teeth have been illegal in this country since 1954 for all animals.
Free running snare: May be legally used to catch foxes but is subject to many restrictions. In urban areas its doubtful that these restrictions can be met.
Self tightening snare: Is illegal
Rogue Pest Control Companies
It is important that as a consumer, you also obey the relevant Laws and do not assist in breaking them.
Alot of some pest control companies that suggest catching and releasing foxes are carrying out illegal activities.
This is like paying somebody with a van to take away aload of rubbish, only for them to dump it in Epping Forest. You are still responsible for that waste.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the law is followed.
These companies that catch and release urban foxes are not helping the situation and will put our pets, livestock, birds and even small children at risk of attack, especially if the released fox is in a totally different environment and hungry.
The end welfare of the fox is not being considered either, only that the problem has gone.
The main reason these companies catch and release urban foxes is due to the fact that the have not or have been refused a UK Firearms Certificate from their licencing Police Force in order to humanely dispatch trapped foxes. This is another reason why most pest control companies only deal with rats, mice, cockroaches and garden ants.
To that end, please, please, please inspect Firearms Certificate and if in doubt, record the Certificate number and check with your local constabulary. Any professional pest controller would not batter an eye lid at this type of request.
If a dispatch is going to take place, the local Police should be informed if Firearms are to be used and a unique 'CAD' number will be issued as reference of that particular incident.
Do not be tempted by their cheap service offer, as you wouldn't want the cruel suffering of a dumped fox on your concious nor the fact that a hungry fox is more likely to attack other animals or birds.
I have put to dispatch numerous urban foxes that are totally covered with mange, no hairs on their poor bodies or tail with open wounds due to their incessant scratching. It would be a cruel act to release them only for their suffering to continue or their ailments to be spread to healthy animals.
At the end of the day, its your choice and your decison is always respected.
I can only advise you to the best of my experiences and knowledge of this specialist pest control on the most humane and legal ways forward with regards to dealing with nuisance foxes that are causing a health & safety risk on your property.
Other Pieces of Legistlation concerning Pest Control Operations
- Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949
- Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 and the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1968
- Pests Act 1954
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation 1988
- Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
- The Protection of Animals Act 1911
- The Prevention of Damage by Rabbits Act 1939
- Agriculture Act 1947
- Control of Pollution Act 1974
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- The Poisons Act 1972
- The Local Government Act 1972
- The Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1927
- The Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932
- Public Health Act 1936
- Public Health Act 1961