Foxes making life a misery

26 July 2007

A PENSIONER is waking up to the stench of used nappies and rotting rubbish as foxes play havoc with his garden overnight.

Patrick Felton is despairing at the destructive animals which have turned the pride and joy of his retired life into a dumping ground.

The 80-year-old, of Downing Road, Dagenham, told the POST: "Three of them come into my garden every night and turn it upside down.

"They bring torn-up nappies,, towels, toys, and other scraps of rubbish all over the place - it's disgusting.

"Instead of enjoying my garden in my old age, I'm raking up the mess which is revolting and unhygienic.

"The foxes also dig up the flowers; I've had to cut back all the shrubs and the honeysuckle to limit the damage.

"At my age all I want is a little peace and quiet."

Patrick says his neighbours suffer from the same problem, which started in August last year, and has become steadily worse.

He has tried several strategies - including lining the garden fence with wire meshing - without success.

The best option, advised by the council, appears to be a professional fox baiter at a price of £500.

But Patrick thinks this is too pricey. He said: "I don't see why a few of us should fork out all that money to kill the foxes, because it's not our fault.

"And if more foxes follow, will I be expected to pay each time? It would leave me seriously out of pocket.

"I'm stuck for options and the problem's going from bad to terrible - it's ruining my life.