Goring's overrun with foxes

Mr Sturton, 32, of Goring Way, is also concerned his three dogs may be in danger.

He said: "It really started becoming a problem last year.

"I left some trainers outside and, when I went to get them later, all that was left was a shoelace.

"I bought a new pair and exactly the same thing happened.

"I've spoken to neighbours and many of them have had similar experiences, so in a fox's den somewhere there must be a whole hoard of shoes.

"In a way it's quite comical, but it's getting beyond a joke."

Mr Sturton also expressed concern at the condition of some of the foxes, describing how they are overridden with mange, which could be passed on to his dogs '“ a labrador, a shitzu and a lhasa apso.

"I don't feel great about letting my dogs into the garden with the foxes. They stare each other out," he said.

Mr Sturton said rubbish strewn over the pavement is also a regular sight because the foxes rifle through any bags left out.

Keith Chamberlain, environmental health manager at Worthing Council, said: "We don't offer a service to get rid of foxes as they are not considered pests, but we can offer advice on how to deter them or put people in touch with private pest control companies.

"We are always inundated with calls from animal rights charities and campaigners.

"If we were to start just culling foxes, we'd be in all sorts of trouble."

Billy Elliot, from Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service, said: "Foxes are creatures of habit.

"They don't like change, so just a simple thing like moving garden furniture can put them on their guard and deter them from that particular area."

For more on this story, see the Worthing Herald.

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