Title: Lincoln School Battles Growing Fox Issue: Animal Takeover in Playground
Content:
In a startling development, Hartsholme Academy in Lincoln has faced an intrusion by foxes who have been using the school’s playground as their own lavatory. Fran Rhodes, the school’s Principal, has revealed that the school is actively looking for humane solutions to tackle this escalating issue, due to the safety worries it provokes. For over ten years, the academy’s grounds have been a frequent haunt for these city-dwelling foxes, leaving behind faecal matter that can pose significant health risks due to potential infectious diseases. Nevertheless, ensuring the wellbeing of the pupils remains the top priority for the school, despite these stumbling blocks.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) recognises the hazards related to fox excrement, including potential exposure to illnesses such as toxoplasmosis and roundworm. However, the RSPCA suggests that deterrent techniques could be more constructive in the long-term than merely displacing the foxes, who are likely to be replaced by others. Currently, the school is consulting with animal experts to guarantee a nuanced approach to the situation.
The urgency of the issue came to the fore when an adult fox entered the school field, requiring the intervention of the site manager. While no children were present during this incident, it highlights the severity of the fox problem. Principal Rhodes remains steadfast in her commitment to resolving the issue, observing that the woodland areas within the school grounds continue to be out of bounds due to the prevalent fox presence.
While concerns have been raised within the community about animal welfare, particularly regarding the use of trapping methods, Ms Rhodes assures that all steps taken will be considerate of animal rights, guided by experts such as Graham Le Blond from Fox-A-Gon. Le Blond promotes the adjustment of foxes’ behavioural patterns to dissuade them from returning.
The school is considering different deterrence methods, like reinforcing fences and limiting available food sources. Their ultimate goal is to recapture the playgrounds for Hartsholme Academy’s pupils.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post from an original report found on www.bbc.com.
