Fundraiser pays for impaled fox's vet bills

A fundraiser has paid for the vet bills of a fox found impaled on a metal fence in Leicester.

Amy Ducker, animal care team leader at the Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital, set up the GoFundMe page after the animal was found in Westfield Road on 17 January.

More than £800 was raised, enough to pay the fox's vet bills and fund his food and housing while at the hospital.

Ms Ducker said the fox was "doing very well" and would be moved to a larger area, where he could strengthen his muscles before he was released back into the wild.

The wildlife hospital was called after the fox was discovered impaled.

Ms Ducker said Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service was also contacted and helped rescue the animal.

The fox was then transferred to Oadby Vets for Pets, which removed the metal fence, which had gone through the muscle of his back left leg.

He also had an X-ray, which confirmed no bones had been broken.

Ms Ducker said the response to the fundraiser had been "absolutely incredible".

"This kind of support is really heartwarming and is what keeps our charity alive and able to continue saving the lives of thousands of wild animals each year," she added.

The fox is "improving daily" and has been kept in a small area while his muscle heals, otherwise he risks further damage, Ms Ducker said.

He will have his enclosure increased in size until he is ready to be released back into the wild.

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