SECRET World founder Pauline Kidner fears someone has a vendetta against the animal sanctuary after a mutilated fox was dumped on its doorstep this week.

The dead fox (pictured), which appeared to have been stamped on and had its tail cut off, was found by a shocked worker at the East Huntspill rescue centre on Wednesday night.

It follows a spate of suspected badger digging where a badger was killed, and a snaring incident in the area.

Pauline Kidner, Secret World founder, said: “I would imagine someone did this as a parting shot against what we do and we might have touched a nerve somewhere and they are trying to make a point.

“I would rather they left a note with their concerns than killed a defenceless animal - the staff member who found the fox is a fox-lover and she was left in a state of shock.

“We are going to try and get some security cameras in place now to find out who is responsible.”

She added: “We abhor these people who think that we will be stopped in our fight against cruelty in the countryside by doing such a sick act.

“We ask people to contact us or the police if they have any information about people involved in these incidents or indeed any other wildlife crimes.

“Until wildlife crime is reported and recorded, we will never be able to stop these inhumane people who regard animal cruelty as sport.”