ILLEGAL 'lamping' in Cudworth has worried residents after a fox was found savaged by dogs on a public footpath.

It was found on Intake Lane by Noel Shaw, of Silverstone Avenue, who had been out walking on Sunday morning.

He added: "It was horrific. It had obviously been set upon by dogs but had also had its tail cut off and ritualistically placed between its front paws. I don't think it was killed there, it looked like it had been laid out in the path."

'Lamping' is a term given to people who go out illegally hunting at night with a lamp or torch which is shone into the eyes of animals causing them to freeze and making them an easier target.

Noel said a gang of youths with 4x4 vehicles and dangerous hunting dogs had been seen lamping on land in Cudworth.

He added: "They are generally away from public view, but this is a case of wanton cruelty for all to see."

Pc Brad Wynn said the police were aware of the problem: "Lamping and everything that goes with it can be quite dangerous.

"We have put it to the Wildlife Protection Unit and we will continue to patrol the area to find out who is doing this and how they are doing it. If we find them and they don't have permission we will use the required legislation to deal with them."