RSPCA inquiry as six shot foxes, four headless, found in bags near Risca

The RSPCA is investigating the discovery of six dead foxes which were all shot and left in individual bags.

Their bodies were found near Risca in Caerphilly county.

Four of the foxes were headless and a couple were without tails, and it was likely they were taken as trophies, said the charity.

The RSPCA called it "strange" because they would not have needed to have been disposed of like that if they had been shot legally.

The bodies of birds, including a magpie and a female pheasant, were found in a seventh bag in the Ochrwyth area of Risca.

The animals' remains were in chemical bags with the name Borealis on them.

RSPCA inspector Nicola Johnson said: "This is a strange situation as if the person or people had shot these animals legally, then there would be no need to go to the trouble of bagging them and disposing of them in this manner."

Ms Johnson said X-rays showed the foxes had all been shot.

"The strangeness and circumstances of this finding does give me cause for concern and if anyone knows anything at all, they should call the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and helpline on 0300 1234 999," she added.

Meanwhile, firefighters have rescued a horse trapped in a culvert in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire.

Fire crews used a tractor, chains and lifting equipment to free the animal on Wednesday evening, under the supervision of a vet.