Entangled deer are rescued

THE RSPCA and firefighters had to come to the rescue of two fallow deer which became entangled in ­fencing on Monday. The pair of bucks were spotted in a field off Warren Lane, Cottered, by a horse rider just after noon. Their antlers had become caught up

THE RSPCA and firefighters had to come to the rescue of two fallow deer which became entangled in ­fencing on Monday.

The pair of bucks were spotted in a field off Warren Lane, Cottered, by a horse rider just after noon.

Their antlers had become caught up in barbed wire and deactivated electric fencing during a fight, while they had also managed to pull up at least four fence posts.

A length of rope had become wrapped around the neck of one of the animals, causing it to bite its tongue.

RSPCA Animal collection officer Kate Cornell, and inspector Peter Warne, attended the incident, along with firefighters from ­Baldock and Buntingford.

It took them more than an hour to rescue the animals, one of which ran off after being freed, while the other rested briefly before making off in the opposite direction.

ACO Cornell said: "The bucks may have been trapped for some time as they were both exhausted.

"It is rutting season at the moment, when males will compete for female attention.

"It is important to ensure that fencing is properly secured, particularly at this time of year, to minimise the risk of animals becoming trapped.