Provincial police are investigating a case of animal cruelty in Tottenham.
On October 24, officers responded to a report of a severely injured fox believed to have been struck by a vehicle near a residential property in Tottenham. When police arrived at the scene, the animal was gone.
In the days that followed, Procyon Wildlife received multiple reports from the community and successfully captured the fox on October 29 near St. James Roman Catholic Cemetery. Police say an exam by a veterinarian revealed the fox had not been hit by a vehicle, but had instead been shot several times with a pellet or BB gun.
These injuries left the fox permanently paralyzed, and it had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering, police said.
Nottawasaga OPP has reported this incident to the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
Investigators are now seeking information from the public to identify whoever may be responsible for this act.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Nottawasaga OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at http://www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. Information can also be shared directly with PAWS at 1-833-926-4625.
The OPP reminds the public that harming wildlife is not only inhumane but also a criminal offence.
"Community awareness and involvement are vital in protecting animals and holding offenders accountable," police said.
