Matlock: Fox found in garden with gunshot wounds

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, A red fox similiar to this one was found with a number of wounds in a garden in Derbyshire
  • Author, Will Jefford
  • Role, ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ News, East Midlands

A fox was found in a garden with "horrific injuries" after being shot, the RSPCA has said.

Officers from the charity were called to a home in Eversleigh Rise in Darley Bridge, Matlock, on Friday after homeowners discovered the animal.

The adult male fox, which was found collapsed in their back garden, was bleeding from multiple wounds.

Due to the extent of his injuries, the RSPCA said they had to put the animal down to "end his suffering".

Inspector Pamela Bird, who has launched an investigation, said: "This was a very upsetting discovery for residents in this area.

"The fox was bleeding from multiple parts of his body from what are thought to be gunshot wounds.

"It's really concerning that someone is using a firearm to cause such awful suffering to wildlife."

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