Pet owners are being warned to stay vigilant after foxes were found dead in an orchard.

Four animals' bodies were discovered between the A2 and the back of Newington Recreation ground near Sittingbourne.

The nature of their injuries have led people to believe they could have been poisoned.

Now, an animal charity is raising awareness of the situation so people can protect their furry friends when they're out and about.

Natasha McPhee, who runs Animals Lost and Found in Kent, said: "There are cases like this reported to us all the time.

"To me this does look like someone was trying to get rid of the foxes.

"As no other wounds were seen on the animals it does seem like poisoning was the only possibility."

The discovery of the foxes comes just five days after a border collie named Lucy collapsed and died within minutes of consuming poisoned food in Gillingham Park, Canterbury Street, Gillingham.

Natasha said the similarities between the recent deaths has caused her to "believe that there are spiteful people out there."

She explained: "When people set up these traps to kill foxes and rodents they don't realise that all kinds of animals will also be attracted to them.

"There are also poisonous substances like anti-freeze, which attracts cats, that can be fatal too.

"All these things cause horrible vicious cycles."

Natasha says she "doesn't understand" why people choose to harm animals in this way.

She also confirmed that every day there is "something new for animal welfare charities to deal with" as a result of animal abuse.

Natasha, whose been running the charity for nine years, added: "People need to be kind to animals they come across.

"I know some people might not like cats and foxes in their garden but there is no need to harm them.

"If you really don't want them on your property you can use other prevention methods to keep them away.

"One of these methods is putting human urine in a bottle and spraying it around your garden.

"Cats and foxes will think a bigger animal is in the area and leave you alone. Nothing gets hurt that way."