A fox was put down after a group of youths targeted it with catapults.

The RSPCA is appealing for witnesses of the group that attacked the animal found in Palmerston Road, Chatham on Tuesday (May 7).

It was initially spotted by nearby residents who said it had already collapsed when they called the RSPCA however, when charity inspector Kirsten Ormerod arrived she saw it surrounded by the group.

Kirsten said: “I arrived to see a group of teenagers using a catapult to target the collapsed fox. As soon as they saw me approaching they ran away.

“The group consisted of around five youths, all dressed in black hoodies ranging from approximately 11 years to 15 years old.”

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The fox was found riddled with Mange, a skin disease found in animals usually caused by parasitic mites.

Older wounds were infected, and it had serious damage to one of its eyes and though no injuries were conclusively caused by catapult propellents, when it was taken to the vet its condition was deemed too severe and it was put to sleep.

Kirsten continued: “It’s unclear if any of the wounds and damage to the fox were caused by the youths, but he would have been really frightened and likely distressed and in pain.

“I’m really keen to hear from the young people themselves, or from anyone who recognises them, so I can speak to them about treating wildlife with kindness and respect and prevent behaviour like this in the future.”

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA inspector's appeal line on 0300 123 8018.