I found this after searching on Google. It is taken from another Forum and has not been verified but makes interetsing reading......
I specialise in Wildlife Management in London. The Abandonement Act 1960 states that it is illegal to abandone a animal.
An urban fox released in to the countryside will simply starve to death as not being used to hunting for rabbits etc, having raided bins and eating waste left overs found on the streets killing chickens, pets etc.
A released urban fox would be more likely to attack and kill farm livestock, other wildlife species including endangered animals and birds. The fox is also at risk of being attacked by other foxes that are currently living in the release zone.
An urban fox with sarcopic mange could easily pass it on to 'healthy' foxes which may contract the disease and then die from scratching themselves to death with infested wounds. This would be the releasers fault for creating more misery and suffering.
Releasing foxes into the wild following capture or 'rescue' is a cruel act for the foxes and other wildlife, farm livestock which would be put at risk. Humane euthanasia by a professional using licenced firearms or by a qualified veterinary surgeon should be carried out. The future welfare for the released fox is not considered or what effect it could have on the environment by the releasers.
Another point to think about is that a hungry fox is a dangerous fox. I have dealt with a recent case in a school where a mange ridden fox came up to a child and swiped its paw at the childs leg. By nature, foxes are mean't to be shy, scared and fearful creatures.
On another occasion, a farmer told me that the only foxes that trouble him at lambing time are ones released by pest control companies on the edge of his land. New born lambs are at risk of being killed which would have a direct effect on his income and livelyhood.
Kind hearted people who leave food out for them only encourages the problem and should be avoided at all costs.
Where is a town fox going to find dog or cat food if they are dumped in the countryside?
The main reason I am called into schools is due to foxes fouling all over the playgrounds and paths. The risk of children getting toxocaris having touched fox fouling is very high. Schools can also be infested with fleas that are walked in from outside.
Urban foxes will almost certainly be riddled with internal parasites, worms and externally have ticks, fleas and mange infestations.
By releasing a fox back into the wild, you would be at risk of being prosecuted under The Abandonement Act 1960, The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 & The Protection of Animal Act 1911.
The Local Police Wildlife Liaison Officers will confirm all of the above.
Is it humane and safe to release urban foxes back into the wild?
As it is currently illegal, why is the law flouted and ignored and why are the Police not enforcing the laws laid down.
