Appeal after foxes violently killed at Rutherglen nature reserve
An animal welfare charity has appealed for information after two foxes were violently killed at a nature reserve.
The foxes were found dead at Malls Mire Community Nature Reserve in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, on 13 January.
The Scottish SPCA said one fox may have been killed by a spade or similar item.
The other died from asphyxiation and may have been either hung up by those hunting it or caught in a fence while trying to escape. Inquiries so far have failed to generate any leads.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: "Two men were witnessed going on to the reserve with dogs and shovels.
"Unfortunately we have no description of the men but the dogs are described as terrier types.
"The dogs may be used to trap the foxes underground before those involved dig them out or trap them in nets and bludgeon them to death.
"Fox-hunting is an abhorrent and illegal activity which causes the foxes horrific pain and suffering and a great deal of distress."