A MEMBER of the public reported the suspicious activity to the RSPCA.
RSPCA Cymru is appealing for information after a man and a woman were seen potentially attacking a wild animal with two terriers in Pontypool Park.
The animal welfare charity was contacted by a witness who saw the suspicious activity where one dog was down a hole (thought to be a burrow or den) with another dog kept on a lead on Saturday, October 19 at 5.10pm.
Following the call, RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels and inspector Christine McNeil attended the location in the park, which was on the riverbank behind the leisure centre.
(The hole in Pontypool Park where the incident took place)
“We could see a huge amount of disturbed soil and burrowing, but there was no sign of any animal residue or blood,” said Sophie.
“The caller was able to tell us that it was a dark-haired man and a woman and were with two dark rough-coated terriers.
“The man was pushing one dog into the hole and the woman had the other dog on a lead. The person also heard noises from inside the hole like squealing.
“We’re not quite sure what happened here but it does appear that they could have been attempting to attack a wild animal deliberately with their dogs as the witness described hearing animal noises from the hole.
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“Through our enquiries we think it could have been a fox.”
RSPCA Cymru would like to extend its thanks to the person who reported this incident.
Sophie added: “We’d very much like to thank the person who reported this to us, especially as this must have been quite distressing to witness.
“We very much rely on the public being our eyes and ears when it comes to suspected incidents like this.
“Wildlife crime is notoriously difficult to catch in the act, so we very much appreciate all calls in regard to any suspected wildlife crime.”
Anyone with any information should contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour Cruelty & Advice Line inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
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