FOUR men involved in a "barbaric" attack on a fox are being hunted.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a fox was found dead in Glasgow having been attacked by dogs.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted after staff at Patersons Waste Management in Mount Vernon reviewed CCTV footage of four men trespassing on the land with five dogs on October 14.

A post-mortem carried out on the body of an adult male fox found nearby confirmed the animal had been killed by dogs.

An undercover inspector said, "The men had two lurchers, two terriers and a Rottweiler with them.

"They arrived in a small white van at around 9pm and left shortly before midnight.

"The men were carrying torches and lamps. This type of activity is usually referred to as lamping, where high powered lights are used to startle and dazzle the animal being hunted.

"A post-mortem examination revealed extensive trauma to the fox's leg and abdomen, as well as puncture wounds. The injuries were consistent with the fox being attacked by dogs while still alive.

"This fox was caused severe suffering and we believe offences have been committed under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002.

"Shockingly, there are people who derive pleasure from watching an animal being set upon and killed in a barbaric manner.

"The staff at Patersons Waste Management support the wildlife that inhabits their site and are working with us to try to identify the offenders and prevent future incidents.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone with information about this particular case, as well illegal hunting in general. All information is received in strict confidence and can be left anonymously."

Those with information are being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.