Appeal after fox is shot and left to die in Newport

This x-ray shows the pellet lodged near the fox's head This x-ray shows the pellet lodged near the fox's head

RSPCA officers are appealing for information after a fox was shot in Newport.

The animal was found with severe head injuries caused by an air rifle was found in the grounds of the Skillion Business Centre, Corporation Road, on Thursday 24 January.

He was found in a smoking shelter and had been covered with a towel. The animal was shaking, whimpering and was clearly in pain. He was taken to a vet and had to be put to sleep.

X ray results show that the fox was shot near the head by an air weapon.

RSPCA animal welfare officer Sian Burton said: "There is absolutely no justification for this kind of senseless cruelty. Whoever did this left the fox to suffer and we need to catch the culprit as soon as possible so that we can prevent further barbarism. "

Shooting an animal is a serious offence and could result in a prison sentence of up to 6 months and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. Calls will be treated in confidence.

To help the RSPCA investigate incidents like this, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (Text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).

Comments(6)

sherrie says...
2:44pm Mon 4 Feb 13

Poor fox, this was really sad to read..

tilleryvalleyboy says...
4:44pm Mon 4 Feb 13

Perhaps it would have been better if it had been caught by a pack of hounds, followed by a group of `Richard Craniums` with red coats and horses, and then ripped to death...poor fox!

Howie' says...
10:56pm Mon 4 Feb 13

tilleryvalleyboy wrote:
Perhaps it would have been better if it had been caught by a pack of hounds, followed by a group of `Richard Craniums` with red coats and horses, and then ripped to death...poor fox!
No, I think it would have been better that some sadistic piece of filth had not shot the fox in the first place, don't you?

plumbob1 says...
12:29am Tue 5 Feb 13

Foxes are vermin and should be destroyed. How would you like to see chickens and lambs killed by your friendly fox

smokintheweed says...
12:38am Tue 5 Feb 13

Howie' wrote:
tilleryvalleyboy wrote:
Perhaps it would have been better if it had been caught by a pack of hounds, followed by a group of `Richard Craniums` with red coats and horses, and then ripped to death...poor fox!
No, I think it would have been better that some sadistic piece of filth had not shot the fox in the first place, don't you?
I think the poster was really saying that they are against fox hunting in any form. If I am wrong then I would be happy to be corrected.

D Taylor says...
11:49am Tue 5 Feb 13

Howie' wrote:
tilleryvalleyboy wrote:
Perhaps it would have been better if it had been caught by a pack of hounds, followed by a group of `Richard Craniums` with red coats and horses, and then ripped to death...poor fox!
No, I think it would have been better that some sadistic piece of filth had not shot the fox in the first place, don't you?
Foxes are vermin and can be legally shot but you are not supposed to cause unnecessary suffering which is what happened in this case. An airgun pellet won't kill a fox but it will can cause severe distress.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree