Foxes - a hazard to pets or people?

• Foxes are unlikely to spread disease to people or pets.
• Distemper, a serious contagious disease of dogs, has been recorded amongst wild foxes in Britain.
• There have been no recorded cases of rabies in wild foxes since the disease was eradicated in Britain in the last century.
• Some foxes have been recorded as suffering from mange, however, there is no evidence of consequent outbreaks amongst domestic pets.
• Although both dogs and foxes can act as hosts to round worms in faeces, it is widely held that the dog is the major source of human infection.
• Some foxes have been known to be affected by Weils' disease, however, there is no risk of infection to dogs that have been properly vaccinated against Leptosirosis.
• It is inconceivable that a healthy fox would bite a person, except under the extraordinary circumstances when it was cornered and an attempt made to grab it.
• Although there have been cases of foxes attacking cats, they have also been photographed alongside cats, and concern about such attacks should rank low on a list of worries about a cats safety.
• Although foxes will attack poultry or rabbits, the risk can be minimised by using robust hutches and coops, made of wire mesh, not just chicken wire which they can break.

Although the hazards posed by foxes to pets and people are minimal or easily avoided, some residents may find their behaviour disruptive. A list of ways to safely discourage foxes from frequenting gardens is outlined below.

Safe ways to discourage foxes

Firstly, check that foxes are actually causing the problem. Foxes are often blamed for damage caused by domestic pets or even squirrels. Foxes can be identified by their bark or scream, footprints, droppings, or pungent smell of their urine.

• Remove or make inaccessible any possible attraction, for example only leave food for birds on a high table.
• Do not leave scraps of food on the compost heap.
• Fence off attraction or sources of food such as rabbit hutches, chicken runs or strawberry or raspberry bushes.
• Check and block any breaks in your fencing.

Repellents

Renardine has been found to be very effective in most situations. This can be placed on an old piece of cloth around plants or areas where foxes are unwanted.

Jay's fluid has also been effective and can be used the same way as renardine.

There are many other repellents that can be purchased in large stores, residents can seek advice from Newham Council before using any type of repellent.

Newham Council's policy

It is not Newham Council's policy to trap or kill foxes or other wildlife, unless the animal is sick.

In addition, although the noise made by mating foxes may be irritating, removing or killing local foxes is unlikely to be successful, as others would quickly move into the vacant territory.

Foxes and the Law

There is a general protection for foxes under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 prohibiting the use of poisons substances, and the ban on gin traps under the Pests Acts 1954. The use of repellents falls under the jurisdiction of the Control of Pesticides Regulation 1986. Only approved substances may be used. Residents should contact Newham Animal Welfare Service for advice on recognised harmless repellents.

Officers from Animal Welfare Service will be pleased to offer additional information and advice