Chris Packham says a dead fox was left outside his home

Wildlife presenter Chris Packham, a staunch anti-hunting and anti-animal cruelty campaigner, has said that a dead fox was left outside his home.

In a video on social media, he said he had found the animal outside his house in Hampshire on Monday.

He said: “It appears that if you oppose the cruelty and illegality of fox hunting and those who club them to death, you don’t just get social media abuse.”

“It seems that if you stick up for foxes, you get your comeuppance from people who still think it’s a good idea to kill them.”

Packham’s video showed a dead animal with what he called a “snare” injury – characterised by a dark mark around its body.

The presenter, who was awarded a CBE earlier in 2019, tagged the RSPCA, as well as the League Against Cruel Sports in his message, and warned that he would be contacting the police.

The RSPCA said in a statement: “We are concerned and saddened that a dead fox, with injuries likely to be caused by a snare trap, was left at Chris Packham’s home.

“We strongly oppose traps which can cause terrible suffering to animals.

“We understand this incident has been reported to the police and are ready to assist them if needed.”

However, Hampshire Police said they have no record of the incident.

The 58-year-old environmentalist has been the target of previous attacks, and has had death threats directed at him, as well as dead birds hung outside his home.

He said that the attacks “fuel” him, adding: “It never makes me angry, depressed, worried, it makes me think they’re doing these things because they’re being backed into a corner and lashing out.

“I’m interested in getting results, I will plough on regardless.”