HEARTLESS yobs left foxes for dead after shooting them in the head in a “hideous” act of cruelty.

A member of the public reported finding the three animals - two of which were dead and the other fatally wounded - in woodland near Delmores, Langdon Hills.

A vet from South Essex Wildlife Hospital attended the “horrific scene” and moved the animals to the Grays hospital.

The third fox was euthanised, as it had suffered severe spinal injuries.

“These poor animals, in perfect health had all been shot multiple times in the head, the live one had also been shot in the shoulder and back,” a spokesman for the hospital said.

“Due to its injuries including spinal damage are vet had to euthanise him. Although it is not illegal to shoot foxes, the right calibre rifle and suitable ammunition must be used to kill and not just maim.

“The perpetrator clearly was an amateur or shooting for fun, as although penetrator pellets were used the gun was not powerful enough.

“It is an animal welfare offence to leave an animal to suffer and to abandon an animal in circumstances likely to cause suffering.

“The foxes were also dumped by a council ‘No dumping’ sign which clearly demonstrates the mentally of the person responsible for this hideous act of animal cruelty.”

Essex Police’s wildlife crime unit has been informed, as has the RSPCA.

The charity is offering a reward of £1,000 for anyone with information or CCTV footage that will identify the culprit.

“I’m horrified but I’m not surprised,” councillor Kerry Smith said.

“The person who has done this needs to be held responsible, and I’m not going to defend what they have done, but over the years I’ve had so many complaints in the area from residents about foxes causing damage.

“I get the feeling this may be somebody who has snapped as a result, but that doesn’t excuse it.”

He added: “I just hope that the person who did the shooting does the right thing and hands themselves in.