Man admits to animal cruelty in Coggeshall following fox incident
Date of alert:
Monday 27 June 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Essex Police
A MAN has admitted animal cruelty following an incident involving a fox.
Paul O’Shea, 49, of Mount Bures, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.
He admitted hunting a wild mammal with dogs in the Coggeshall area, which is an offence under the Hunting Act 2004, also admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “Our rural Engagement team was set up specifically to engage with our rural communities.
“Officers investigate and help to prevent crimes which matter to you, such as animal cruelty, hare coursing, agricultural theft and fly-tipping.”
A 16-year-old girl from the Bures area had also been charged with hunting a wild animal with dogs in relation to the incident. Her case has been discontinued.
An incident believed to have taken place on December 4 was reported to police and officers from the rural engagement team launched an investigation.
O’Shea will be sentenced at the same court on August 1.
