40+ years ago I was told that working in wildlife meant you were in a war. Over the years I have been threatened with shooting and worse by people involved in wildlife crimes including with exotics.

You take every victory you can get but always prepare for the losses and this year that is hitting home.

Fox cubs poisoned at Milton Creek Country Park, Sittingbourne

 John Nurden

jnurden@thekmgroup.co.uk

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sittingbourne/news/three-fox-cubs-found-poisoned-in-beauty-spot-228589/?fbclid=IwAR2eJPRbWQln0ympmQIjMvRXblS4rCziC3_eE8ejCcg7lt4IRAtXHbi8zOk

Dogs could be in danger after three fox cubs were found poisoned at a beauty spot.

The animals were discovered at Milton Creek Country Park near Sittingbourne and all have since died.

Wildlife pond Milton Creek Country Park, Sittingbourne

Lorraine St John who runs the Sheppey-based Kent Wildlife Rescue Service said: "We were called out on two occasions. Both cubs were found to be poisoned. Despite our best efforts and emergency treatment both succumbed."

She said a third cub had been found dead and warned: "Please keep an eye on the safety of your dogs as well as other wildlife."

Friends of Milton Creek Country Park issued a warning on social media calling for users to report anything suspicious to Kent's rural police unit on 101 or the RSPCA.

The second cub was reported by dog owner Claire North who contacted Kent Wildlife Rescue.

She said: "I’m heartbroken and so angry at how anyone can do this to a beautiful animal."

Claire North reported finding the second fox cub which died at Milton Creek Country Park, Sittingbourne

Her step son Louie, 18, stumbled on the creature while riding his bike in the park on Sunday afternoon.

Claire, 46, who has two dogs, recalled: "He said it was on its own in the long grass and having seizures. When I heard that I jumped in my car and went to find it.

"I found the poor little thing in the long grass by the wooden jetty near the wildlife pond. It was still alive but not very well. So I wrapped it in a towel. It didn't fight or struggle.

"I had already called Kent Wildlife Rescue and Lorraine met me at the park with a net and cat box and took the cub away."

Claire added: "We take our own dogs for walks in that park every day and often see foxes. It is a massive concern to know poison is out there. I can't get my head round why anyone would do such a thing."

Lorraine St John of Kent Wildlife Rescue Service with her former pet fox Elfie Picture: Chris Davey

Lorraine said: "Both cubs were between 14 to 16 weeks old and were poisoned, possibly with slug or rat poison. We don't know if it was deliberately put there to kill the foxes.

"The first cub died within an hour but the second lasted eight hours as we fed it activated charcoal and fluids to clean its stomach. At one stage it was sitting up and we thought it might survive.

"It is a horrible way to die. The poison destroys an animal's insides. It can take up to 12 hours before it starts having an effect.

"Animals begin to stagger, vomit and have fits before collapsing."

The 128-acre park off Groveshurst Road is owned by Swale council and is between Milton Regis and Kemsley alongside Milton Creek. It was once called Church Marshes Country Park.

One of the fox cubs which died after being found poisoned at Milton Creek Country Park, Sittingbourne. Picture: Kent Wildlife Rescue Service

A council spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of foxes being poisoned at Milton Creek Country Park and are working with police and the RSPCA to find out where the poison is coming from.