ANIMAL welfare campaigners were left horrified after a mutilated fox was dumped at a Sedgemoor animal sanctuary and a “poisoned” badger was found in Bridgwater.

The grisly findings prompted campaigners to urge people to report crimes against wildlife to police or rescue centres to bring the culprits to justice.

The dead fox (pictured), which appeared to have been stamped on and had its tail cut off, was found by a shocked worker at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill on Wednesday night.

It follows a spate of suspected badger digging where a badger was killed, and a snaring incident in the area.

Pauline Kidner, Secret World founder, said: “We abhor these people who think that we will be stopped in our fight against cruelty in the countryside by doing such a sick act.

“We ask people to contact us or the police if they have any information about people involved in these incidents or indeed any other wildlife crimes.

“Until wildlife crime is reported and recorded, we will never be able to stop these inhumane people who regard animal cruelty as sport.”

Anne Heritage, of Coronation Road, Bridgwater contacted the Mercury this week after she discovered a dead badger which she claims had been poisoned.

She said: “This is the fourth badger dumped in Skimmerton Lane or Moores Lane in about a year and it was foaming at the mouth and it showed no signs of road injury.

“They all seem like road kill but closer examination doesn't bear this out. If anyone knows who commits these cruel and stupid acts please phone the police, or Secret World.”