Recorder readers have voted against a cull of foxes in the wake of calls for action after a baby was attacked in Bromley.

Ilford Recorder: Readers voted against a cull.Readers voted against a cull. (Image: Archant)

After a close vote, only 45 per cent supported a cull, while 55 per cent were against.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson called for councils to tackle the “growing problem” of urban foxes after a baby was attacked in Bromley.

Four-week-old Denny Dolan was thought to be dragged from his cot by a fox last week, before his mother beat the animal off.

He is recovering in hospital, where he was treated for hand and facial injuries.

Mr Johnson did not specify what action should be taken but said he “wouldn’t rule anything in or out”.

He added: “Attacks like that on this little boy thankfully are rare but foxes are a growing menace.

“Borough leaders need to look carefully at the facts and work together to respond.

“Better informing Londoners about foxes in an effort to drive them from our bins and our back yards would be a good place to start.”

Ilford resident Valerie Wright thinks the mayor should tackle littering before the animals.

She said: “It is all too easy for people to call for a cull of urban foxes when there has been an alleged attack by one.

“The natural habitat of foxes has diminished gradually over the years and so they have little choice but to live in our towns.

“We should give these beautiful animals a chance and, by taking simple precautions, learn to live with them safely.”

But Gants Hill resident Bernard Chaplin believes foxes are a “nuisance” and “dangerous”.

He said: “I cannot see why the council does not remove them as necessary considering the damage that they do to the environment.

“Some of the foxes I have seen seem to wander about all times of the day and night scavenging.

“One particular “visitor” that we see from time to time often in broad daylight is very scraggy and thin and scratches itself constantly. Goodness knows what disease is carried.”

Redbridge Council does not currently offer fox control services.

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