THIRTEEN dead foxes have been discovered in Cleethorpes, including one with a hole in its shoulder – much to the shock of residents and walkers.
The foxes were found throughout Cleethorpes Country Park, residents said, leading to fears that they may have been killed deliberately.
A number were found in the Bedford Road area on the edge of the park
As previously reported, 13 dead foxes were found on Cleethorpes beach shortly before Christmas. The Beach Safety Team said it was believed the animals were killed by dogs.
Dog owners were told to keep their pets on leads "at all times".
But the fresh discovery included a fox with a hole in its shoulder. It was found near the gateway to the park, before residents called the council who took the dead animal away. The council said only one fox had been found, but residents insist there were more.
One Country Park resident said: "It's so upsetting when you come across them when you're out walking the dogs. It is sad to think what happened to them in their last moments.
"The last one we found had a hole in its shoulder and blood pouring out of its mouth.
"It's a shame that someone could do this to them.
"We don't see the animals as vermin around here – we even feed them every now and then. They help keep the rats and mice down and since we started finding them dead, the rats have really increased in our gardens."
Another resident added: "It's very upsetting. If you don't like them there's no need to poison or shoot them, just let them get on with their lives."
They added: "It's disgusting that someone could do this to an innocent animal. If they're doing it to foxes, who knows what they'll target next?
"We just want to warn animal owners of the dangers in the park to foxes and other animals. If it is poison, dogs or cats could also be affected by it so they should be mindful of that when walking their dogs or letting their cats out for the night."
A spokesman for NELC said: "We've only picked up one dead fox in the park so far and no other dead foxes have been reported to us."
