Two dead foxes have been found with "suspicious injuries" which are thought to have been caused by a dog attack.

The RSPCA is investigating and appealing for information after the bodies were spotted lined up side-by-side near the New Thanet Way in Herne Bay.

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Local residents reported the shocking discovery to the animal welfare charity.

RSPCA inspector Grace Harris-Bridge described the finding as a "very upsetting sight".

"One of the foxes had a large open wound on his neck, the other fox’s stomach appeared to have been ripped open and his intestines were missing," she said.

"I am pretty sure these foxes would both have died in agony.

"Based on the kind of wounds they had, it looks like they may have been attacked by other animals.

"They may even have had dogs deliberately set on them by people involved in some sort of sickening ‘blood-sport’.

"The bodies had even been laid out neatly side by side, adding to the suspicion that there was more to these killings than first meets the eye.

"As well as being illegal, there is no place for cruelty to animals in today’s society and we urge anyone who knows anything about this particular incident to report it to either the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999, Crimestoppers or their local police force."

Last year, the RSPCA received reports about more than 2,400 wild animals which had been subjected to horrific acts of cruelty.

Foxes living in the wild are protected by the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996.

It is illegal to hunt foxes with a pack of dogs, but using dogs to simulate hunting - such as 'drag' or 'trail' - is permitted, according to the government website.

Hunters can also use up to two dogs to chase foxes out of hiding if it is causing damage to their property or environment.

To report an animal in distress, call the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.