The RSPCA has managed to reunite a deer with its natural surroundings after the animal found itself stuck next to another stag because of rope in Oxfordshire.

The occurrence took place in Sonning Common close to Henley, where a pair of male deer discovered their antlers locked together after becoming caught on rope.

Animal welfare experts Chelsea Dale and Marie Stevens from the RSPCA attended after a member of the public came across the creatures.

One of the deer had already died before they were discovered.

According to Ms Stevens, the specialists encountered circumstances that were both demanding and upsetting upon reaching the scene.

She explained that the surviving deer was experiencing intense panic, dragging the lifeless animal along as their antlers remained connected by rope. Witnessing this was profoundly difficult, and it was clear how much suffering the animal was enduring. She expressed sympathy for the member of the public who had stumbled upon them.

Fortunately, she managed to secure a loop around the stag’s antlers and tether him to a nearby tree, which allowed the team to methodically cut away the rope and free him.

The specialists recognised they needed to act with both accuracy and urgency. Deer prove particularly susceptible to stress, and frequently fail to survive long after becoming trapped as a result of stress-induced muscle deterioration.

In some circumstances, putting the animal to sleep represents the more humane course of action and serves the animal’s best interests by eliminating the possibility of a painful death occurring hours later.

Nevertheless, following a thorough assessment, the team were delighted to return the deer to the countryside.

This particular rescue proved strenuous, and the organisation wanted to thank the individual who alerted them.

The RSPCA is attempting to educate people regarding the perils that abandoned rope, netting and similar equipment present to wild animals.

Ms Stevens added that this case perfectly illustrates the hazards that different outdoor objects – encompassing rope and netting – can create for wildlife. It happens regularly for male deer to find themselves caught up in this fashion, which is why it proves vital that such items receive proper disposal after use to prevent these incidents. It requires merely moments to tidy up after yourself, yet this straightforward step could save an animal’s life – and the charity remains grateful to those who demonstrate care for wildlife.

Individuals who wish to carry on supporting the cause can also sign up as an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, which helps make a real difference for creatures in their own neighbourhoods.

Oxfordshire is home to numerous deer varieties, with Roe deer and Muntjac representing the most common and extensively found throughout the county’s woodland and countryside. Fallow deer inhabit the area too, especially within woodland areas such as Wytham Woods and particular parkland environments.