Fox Loses Leg After Getting Caught in Illegal Leghold Trap

Summary:

Lexington, MA – A fox found limping through the streets of Lexington ended up losing a leg, but is on the mend thanks to the work of local police and animal care workers.

The Newhouse Wildlife Rescue said the animal was found on Saturday, Sept. 30, as he tried to walk in a neighborhood with a leghold trap on his leg – a device banned by Massachusetts state law. According to the rescue center’s Facebook page, a passerby alerted a nearby officer, leading to police working to corner the animal into a garage.

With the homeowner assisting as well, police were able to keep the animal in place and call in Massachusetts Environmental Police. The group was able to later get in contact with Dr. Victoria Vasilakis at Linwood Animal Hospital, who volunteered to come in and provide emergency care.

In an update on Tuesday, the wildlife rescue said that despite the fox having no broken bones, blood flow did not return to the animal’s front paw and for the sake of his welfare, the fox’s leg was amputated.

As of Tuesday morning, the animal rescue said it was optimistic about the fox’s rehabilitation and that he “didn’t seem to even notice the missing leg.”

Result: