A fallow deer has been rescued after becoming completely tangled in football netting in a nature reserve.

Its antlers had become caught in a large section of football netting, with the goalposts still attached.

A large log had also become caught in the netting, with the entire mass becoming tightly wrapped around a tree.

The deer had been spotted in the area the previous day by a couple who saw it being chased by a dog into the nature reserve in Plymouth.

When they returned, they found the buck struggling in the netting and contacted the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Morris attended and carefully cut the deer free from the bulk of the netting.

After checking the animal for further welfare concerns, the buck ran back into the nature reserve.

Inspector Morris said the deer had been through an “incredibly stressful ordeal”.

An own goal too far
An own goal too far (RSPCA )

“He was completely tangled in the football netting, which had become tightly wrapped around the tree, with goalposts and even a log caught up within the mass,” she said.

“He had been thrashing around trying to free himself and was exhausted by the time we arrived.”

She said she was able to approach the deer carefully and cut away the netting without causing further distress.

The RSPCA is now reminding people to secure or remove loose netting and other materials when they are not being used.

It is also urging dog owners to keep their animals under control when near wildlife and livestock.

Inspector Morris said netting could be particularly dangerous because animals could become caught quickly and then struggle for hours to escape.

“We would urge people to make sure football nets and other types of netting are securely stored or removed when they are not being used,” she said.

“It only takes a few minutes, but could prevent an animal from becoming trapped, and could even save their life.”

The RSPCA advises anyone who finds a wild animal in distress not to put themselves at risk.

Instead, people should contact the organisation for advice and assistance on the best way to help.