Fox Found at Greenford Quay with Noose Around Neck
RSPCA launches appeal after grim discovery (distressing image)
The animal's corpse had been thrown into the canal. Picture: RSPCA
February 16, 2026
The RSPCA has issued an urgent appeal for information after a fox was found dead in the Grand Union Canal in west London with a noose tied around his neck.
The grim discovery was made on Thursday 12 February at around 2pm, when a member of the public spotted the animal floating in the water behind the Greenford Quay playground. The fox had been attached to nearby moorings and was later found to have a broken neck, although no other injuries were identified.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Eve Mannings, who is leading the investigation, described the incident as “truly distressing” and said the circumstances raised serious concerns about the animal’s final moments.
“This is a truly distressing discovery and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward,” she said. “The fox had a broken neck, but we are unable to determine at this stage whether he had died before being tied to the canal. This would potentially have been an extremely distressing and terrifying end for this animal, and it is deeply concerning to think what this poor wild animal might have been through.”
Given the location — directly behind a children’s playground and close to a busy residential area — the charity believes someone may have witnessed suspicious activity around the time of the incident.
“We are currently working to obtain any relevant CCTV footage and urge anyone with information to contact our RSPCA inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01734822,” Mannings added.
The RSPCA continues to investigate and is reminding the public that harming wildlife is a criminal offence. More information about the charity’s work to protect wild animals can be found on its website.
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