A distressed kestrel has been freed from dangerous netting on top of an industrial unit in Hounslow, thanks to a joint effort by the RSPCA and the London Fire Brigade.
The bird of prey became trapped in bird deterrent netting around 20 feet off the ground at Parkway Trading Estate on Cranford Lane on July 19. A concerned member of the public spotted the struggling bird and alerted the RSPCA.
Due to the height of the building, the London Fire Brigade was called in to assist, using a fire engine to safely lift RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie Barnes-Wilson up to the kestrel.
Ellie said: “The kestrel’s mate stayed close by and watched the whole time as we helped free her. We worked really well with the Fire Brigade to cut her loose—at quite a height!
“Back on the ground, I carefully removed the remaining netting and checked her over. Thankfully, she had no injuries—just utterly exhausted. After a short rest, she flew off strongly.
“This is a clear example of how dangerous deterrent netting can be. The outcome could have been very different for this beautiful, protected bird.”
In cases like this, the building’s owner will be contacted and asked to remove or replace the netting in line with RSPCA advice.
To report live birds trapped in netting, members of the public can call the RSPCA’s cruelty and advice helpline on 0300 1234 999.
Where people have seen dead birds in netting, or where they are aware of a regular issue of birds becoming trapped in netting, the RSPCA urges them to forward the address, property owner (if known) and date of the incident to wildlife@rspca.org.uk. The charity will then write to the owner with advice and guidance about resolving the issue. More information on the RSPCA’s “Wild birds and netting” project can be found on our website.
Summer should be a season of joy for animals. Long walks on golden evenings. Zoomies on the beach. Stretching out in the garden to soak up the sun. But there’s a side to summer you don’t see. For thousands of animals, it’s a season of pain, fear and suffering, when cruelty peaks. Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal at: rspca.org.uk/endcruelty.
