The six fox cubs left to die in a cramped barrel

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Trapped: These six fox cubs were discovered in this barrel, having been left in a Lincolnshire ditch


18 fox cubs found along with other morbid remains

All but one is recovering well - the RSPCA are looking after the animals


These six fox cubs were discovered fighting for their lives after being squashed inside a screw-topped plastic barrel. Five more were in another barrel and seven cubs had been trapped inside a sack, which had been tied shut.

In all 18 cubs had been dumped and left to die in a ditch in Spalding, Lincolnshire - but luckily a member of the public stumbled across the defenceless animals.

RSPCA inspector Jon Knight described the incident as one of the most appalling and distressing he has ever seen.


Saved: A member of the public discovered the foxes on April 25, and all but one are recovering well


After the foxes were discovered on April 25 he said: 'I could not believe my eyes when I saw the poor fox cubs crammed together inside the barrels and the sack.

'Had they not been discovered then it is clear they would have perished very quickly.

'They could hardly move, and obviously had no access to food and water.
'This was one of the most distressing incidents I have ever been involved with.'

The foxes were extremely dehydrated. Three bags of shredded rubbish were also left at the scene and contained soiled shredded paper and bird and rabbit remains.

A fourth bag with maggot-infested bird remains was also found.

It is thought that the fox cubs may have been kept in captivity prior to being abandoned because the shredded paper left next to them was soaked with fox urine.

The cubs were aged between five and eight weeks old and are currently being cared for at an RSPCA centre.

Inspector Knight added: 'Whoever has done this should not be allowed to get away with it, which is why I am appealing to anyone in the Spalding, Fenland and greater Peterborough area, or even further afield to get in touch.

'We need to find the person responsible and we need the public to help us.

'Therefore anyone with any information, no matter how small, is urged to call the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.'


source: dailymail