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Shock and anger has been expressed over pictures posted online of a dead fox holding a beer can with a cigarette in its mouth.

The images were shared on Facebook by the group Somerset Wildlife Crime.

They wrote: "This fox was found this evening on the Silk Mills roundabout (in Taunton) where we run our demos from.

"Shot and dumped there, propped up with a beer can between his paws and a cigarette in his mouth.

"It is almost impossible to put in to words the degree of infantile depravity that would drive someone to do this.

"But one things is certain... it says far more about you than it does about us!"

One person said on the post: "May whoever is responsible for this depraved act never have a moment of peace or happiness in their miserable life!"

Another posted: "It just shows the disregard for wildlife.

"It makes me so sad for the animals who have no voice and ashamed to call myself a human as this are so called humans that are doing these evil things (SIC).

"How low can these people go to abuse and then to humiliate these defenceless animals?

"Whoever did this must be very proud.

"I can't think of a word bad enough to describe what you are."

Another added: "There are a few really sick sadists around, very evil and scary.

"Quite honestly whoever is capable of this should be locked up forever."

The post has prompted an outpouring of anger and another said: "I absolutely curse the people who did this.

"Why on earth would you do it?"

(Image: Somerset Wildlife Crime)

Another said: "Oh they will definitely pay for this. Karma always delivers. Keep looking over your shoulder. It's a promise, you WILL pay."

Jane Baines-Holmes: "One hope is that the cigarette was theirs and their torturing life will be shortened by smoking.

"Hopefully they will remember this poignant cigarette when they are gasping for air."

About Somerset Wildlife Crime

The group was born out of a "horrific" incident in Minehead little over a year ago.

A group of sea gulls were run over while foraging through rubbish which had been left out on the street by residents.

They were disappointed that only one other person reported the incident to the police and drew the conclusion that "people don't know what wildlife crime is, how to report it, or whether they should report it".

It has a dedicated wildlife crime officer and aims to secure convictions for abuse against animals.

The group said: "Whether its trapping, poaching, snaring, shooting, badger-sett blocking, hunting, abuse, neglect or just plain cruelty, we want to know about it.

"We can visit sites and gather evidence, and if possible liaise with police to seek prosecutions.

"Alternatively, we can investigate, report and expose wildlife crime from here.

"All information will be handled sensitively and sources held in complete confidence."

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