Fox shot through neck with bow and arrow and left for dead in cruel attack

  • Animals
The fox survived the attack Credit: SWNS

Cruel thugs shot a young fox through the neck with a bow and arrow, leaving her for dead.

The vixen was spotted by concerned villagers in East Mosely, Sussex, with the huge arrow still sticking through the scruff of her neck, just inches from vital blood vessels.

They reported her to the Leatherhead Wildlife Aid Foundation - but when rescuers arrived, she was so terrified she got herself stuck in a hedge.

Officers eventually managed to free her and operated to remove the arrow, leaving two-inch holes on either side of her neck and major muscle damage.

The terrified fox got trapped in a hedge Credit: SWNS
The arrow bolt went through the fox's neck, narrowly missing blood vessels Credit: SWNS

The surgery was carried out by the Foundation's vet, who said the creature would have suffered a "slow, painful death" had they not got to her in time.

The fox was left with holes in her neck after the bolt was removed Credit: SWNS

Once she has recovered, the vixen will be returned to East Mosely, as she knows the area.

The RSPCA and Sussex Police are investigating. Anyone with any information, who who notices anything suspicious, is urged to come forward.