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Spooked deer rips its own antlers out while fleeing fireworks

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Deer and fireworks
The animal was spooked by loud bangs and got trapped in a fence (Picture: RSPCA/Getty)

The RSPCA has been called out more than 10,000 times to fireworks-related reports this year.

The charity has received a further 64 calls relating to animal cruelty involving fireworks in November alone.

Some animal welfare campaigners have long called for access of fireworks to be restricted because of the negative impact on wildlife

A spooked deer that accidentally ripped its own antler out while fleeing loud bangs was among the staggering number of incidents. 

Animal handlers were called to a report of a terrified deer running in circles in a field next door to a property in Wiltshire where fireworks were being let off.

The call came in from an owner of some horses also in the field as they had gone to check on them fearing they would be frightened.

Deputy manager Anj Saunders said: ‘The young roe deer was found running in panicked circles because the fireworks were scaring him. 

‘He had his head stuck in a fence and was blind with shock – he had also ripped both antlers out. 

LEWES, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: A crowd gathers to watch a fireworks display during Bonfire Night celebrations November 5, 2003 in Lewes, England. The celebration marks the day of the failed plot by Guy Fawkes and 12 other Catholic conspirators in 1605 to kill King James I and blow up Britain's Parliament. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
They’re popular with the public – but not with many pet owners (Picture: Getty)

‘One of our animal carers, along with a vet, brought him into the centre and gave him pain relief, anti inflammatories and antibiotics for the wounds to his head and eyes. 

‘He is otherwise quite plump and in good condition, however the next few days will be crucial as deer often succumb to a disease called captive myopathy which is caused by extreme stress and rescues lose many deer to it. 

‘He will be kept quiet in our stable and he is currently resting with a lot of soft bedding to keep the pen as safe as possible for him while he can’t see.

‘This situation is obviously going to compromise him in the wild as he has lost his antlers, hopefully they will grow back but it won’t be this year. 

‘We are hoping his eyesight will return to normal, as this can be a side effect of shock for deer.’

RSPCA campaigns manager Carrie Stones said: ‘Whilst it is encouraging to see that supermarkets are selling low noise fireworks and some local councils are now setting their own guidelines, this shows us that we still have a long way to go.’

The animal charity has been collecting the views of pet owners via online reporting tool. 

It said 96% of respondents said their animals felt fear after neighbours let off private fireworks with no prior warning. 

87% of these responses related to dogs, 22% to cats, 7% to smaller pets and 6% to horses.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.


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