Villagers Accused of Poisoning Foxes Terrorizing Drivers

As of October 31st, 2025, a charity has accused residents of the Hampshire village of Portchester of deliberately poisoning and killing foxes that have been causing havoc for local drivers. According to the charity, motorists in Portchester have been reporting costly car repairs after the foxes damaged their vehicles by chewing through brake lines and leaving heavy scratches on the paintwork.

The charity, Second Chance Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation, claims that the bodies of several dead foxes have been found across the village, indicating that "heartless humans" have been using poisoned bait to eliminate the animals. The charity believes antifreeze has been used to kill the foxes, which is a highly inhumane and illegal practice.

Victoria Leonard, a volunteer with the charity, has urged Portchester residents to use humane deterrents instead of resorting to such drastic measures. She emphasizes that foxes are not vermin, but an important part of the ecosystem that deserves respect. The charity is now conducting patrols in the area and working with the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The situation in Portchester has escalated over the past couple of years, with motorists reporting an increasing number of incidents involving the foxes. One resident, Terry Stroud, was lucky to avoid a serious accident when he realized his van's brakes had been chewed through by the animals. The local car garage has also seen a surge in customers reporting fox-related damage to their vehicles.

The charity's manager, Debra Jessie, says they have solid evidence that the foxes are being poisoned, but they need more to build a strong case. The charity is urging the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, such as bowls of food or randomly placed bait, to the authorities.