writes James Moules

A FOX was killed in a hunt with dogs near Sturminster Newton in Dorset.

Police say that the fox was killed on Saturday, December 28 in the Marnhull area.

An investigation into the incident is underway, which has been passed to a wildlife crime officer.

The hunting of any wild animals with dogs is illegal under the Hunting Act 2004.

A spokesman for Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said: "We would ask that anyone who witnessed this incident and has video evidence to get in contact with Dorset Police so that a robust investigation can take place.

"We would ask that footage is in its original format and submitted by the person that filmed it so that the provenance of the footage can be confirmed.

"Dorset Police will investigate any alleged breaches of the Hunting Act 2004 and other legislation and work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine if a case could be taken to court.

"To get in contact regarding this incident, please contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting reference 55190202710.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Originally published in the Dorset Echo 

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