Foxes shot dead with crossbow in 'disturbing' attacks as police issue appeal for information
A police spokesperson says: "It's absolutely shocking that two animals have died in such awful circumstances."
Tuesday 10 November 2020 13:15, UK
Police are appealing for information after two foxes were shot dead with a crossbow and a third was reportedly wounded - all in the same area of southeast London.
In the most recent incident, officers were called on Thursday 5 November after a member of the public saw a fox with an arrow sticking out of its back in Parkgate, Greenwich.
Volunteers from the Fox Project charity in Kent were also contacted and treated the animal.
It was taken to the organisation's base but could not be saved.
It is not the first time a fox has been shot in the same area, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Another animal was previously found dead there, while a third was reportedly seen at the same location with an arrow in its body.
Conchi Gago, from the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit said: "It's absolutely shocking that two animals have died in such awful circumstances.
"It is obvious that whoever did this did so deliberately and it is disturbing to think that someone would intend to injure and kill a wild animal."
It is illegal under Section 11 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to kill or injure any wild animals using a bow or crossbow.
The Fox Project is offering a £2,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for the attacks.
Founder Trevor Williams said: "Every year we treat more than 1,000 foxes at our specialist rescue centre but this is a truly shocking case."
He added: "It's hard to understand that there is a small minority of people in society who are capable of such extreme cruelty to animals."
Anyone who has information which can assist police is asked to call 020 7230 8898 or email [email protected] quoting CAD 4617/06Nov.