Top RSPCA officers were today probing sickening allegations that foxes are being trapped and clubbed to death to protect pigeons on a Teesside allotment. Inspectors are investigating claims that someone has been baiting the animals in box traps then slaying them at Beechwood Allotments in Gleneagles Road, Middlesbrough. They have received tip-offs claiming someone has so far killed three foxes, although no bodies have been found. RSPCA Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell said: "We have received a complaint but at the present time we haven't much evidence to work on. "We haven't found any bodies or traps but we are investigating these serious allegations. "We are working with the allotment association, which is trying to find out information." Allotment bosses say they have discovered traps used for baiting and have sent letters to their 20 tenants to inform them it is illegal and against the site's tenancy agreement. Eddie Jones, Middlesbrough Council's open space manager, said: "Catching foxes is one thing, killing them is another. "We believe there are some on the site who have taken action to kill the foxes, which is against the tenancy agreement of the site and against the law. "Foxes are classed as vermin if they enter the site but there are certain ways of dealing with them humanely and lawfully without killing them. "Everyone knows it is illegal, however, there are a few people who have taken this into their own hands and we are not happy with what they are doing." Mr Jones said allotment chiefs were alerted after receiving anonymous tip-offs from concerned tenants in the last three weeks. "There are several concerned tenants who have come to the department asking us to help," he said. "It is very difficult because we don't know who might be doing this. "People are telling us what is happening but don't want to point the finger at who is responsible," he added. "We think there is one bad element on the site responsible for it." There are also concerns that a vixen - hunting to feed her cubs - may have been caught by the mystery killer, sentencing the litter to certain death. One allotment holder, who didn't want to be named, said: "Everyone is going mad about it, it's not right. "We know who's doing it and something needs to be done to stop it. There's been three foxes killed, they are being snared and then their heads are bashed in." Chief Insp Mitchell added: "We would appeal to anyone with information to contact us." * Anyone with information or evidence can contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999 01642 515618. | 
