Couple's shock as fox cub is stolen

Jim (83) and Mary Beck (73) had been hand-rearing the male cub, named Tag, since he and his sister were handed to them at just two days old.

While the frail female fox cub died, Jim and Mary, who have cared for more than 70 rescued foxes over 40 years, were able to save Tag’s life through regular bottle feeding and nurturing at their home in Tickhill.

Tag opened his eyes after 15 days and the couple continued to care for him with the intention of releasing him back into the wild when he was ready.

But their plans were thrown in to disarray when Tag was snatched from his pen on Sunday night.

Jim said: “You can take the fox out of the wild but you can’t take the wild out of the fox.

“We had become attached to Tag but it was always our intention to re-release him.

“Whoever has taken him now might not realise that it’s too early to do that.

“He’s still a small cub—too young and vulnerable to be released into the wild.”

Tag was in his purpose-built run in the couple’s garden at 9pm on Saturday but had disappeared at 7am the following morning.

The Becks, of Lindrick, Tickhill, have no idea who might have stolen Tag but suspect that it could have been “well-meaning” animal lovers.

The couple started looking after fox cubs after Jim befriended a local game keeper.

The fox cubs kept by the couple are usually released back into the wild with help from the RSPCA.

Police have been informed of Tag’s disappearance and have now issued an appeal for information.

Anyone who could help their enquiries should contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020 quoting crime reference number A761732010.