A fox has been found dead at a Scots park after being mauled to death by a vicious dog.
The female animal's remains were discovered by a countryside ranger close to Hamilton Low Parks Local Nature Reserve on March 17.
A post-mortem ruled that she would have suffered "considerable fear and pain" in her final moments as it was determined she was killed by dog bite wounds.
An investigation into the attack has been launched by the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ), who described the incident as "horrible".
Under UK laws, it is illegal to hunt and kill a fox with a dog.
The charity is treating the death as suspicious and concerning and is urging anybody with any information to contact them.
An undercover inspector from the Scottish SPCA’s special investigations unit said, “This discovery is suspicious and very concerning.
“The fox’s body was taken for post-mortem which determined that she was killed as a result of internal damage caused by dog bite wounds.
“This is a horrible way for the fox to die and she would’ve suffered considerable fear and pain in her last moments.
“We are appealing for information from the public about whoever may be responsible. It is illegal to hunt and kill a fox with a dog and if anyone witnesses this being allowed to happen they should report it.
“Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Scottish SPCA’s confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
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