Foxes

To discourage foxes from coming to your property you should:

 secure food waste in bins

 use fencing to protect pets and livestock from foxes

If the problem persists you can use the control methods set out in this guide, but you must not:

 use gassing or poisoning

 block or destroy fox earths if they are occupied

Catch with cage traps and snares

 You can use cage traps and snares to catch foxes.

 You should check cage traps at least once a day to stop a captured fox suffering.
 You shouldn’t relocate or release captured foxes. This will cause foxes stress by transporting and
relocating them to an unfamiliar environment.

You must:

 only use free-running snares, which relax when the animal is captured
 check snares at least once a day
 humanely kill any fox you catch while it’s in the trap or snare
 release all other animals unharmed – except grey squirrels and mink, which you must humanely kill

You must not:

 place traps or snares near a badger sett or where badgers are present
 place snares in urban areas or public spaces
 use spring traps

Shoot

 You can shoot free foxes using a suitable firearm and ammunition.
 You shouldn’t use firearms in urban areas for reasons of public safety.
 The British Association for Shooting and Conservation has a code of practice on shooting foxes at
night(lamping).

Use dogs

 You can’t use dogs to hunt.

 You can use dogs to stalk or flush out foxes above ground, but only to stop serious damage to your
property. You must:
 use no more than 2 dogs
 shoot the foxes as soon as they break cover
 carry proof that you own the land or have written permission from the landowner

Use repellents or deterrents

 You should only use repellents and deterrents approved for use against foxes.