RSPCA cruelty probe into fox death on royal shoot

Prince Philip was in the shooting party

13 April 2012

Police and the RSPCA have begun an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty involving a shooting party which included Prince Philip.

Photos taken of the shoot at Sandringham appeared to show a fox which had been shot lying in agony for five minutes before being beaten to death by a member of the party.

Investigators have already started contacting witnesses at the royal pheasant shoot last Saturday.

But Norfolk Police would not confirm whether Philip would be questioned.

Foxes are often shot by gamekeepers on country estates to stop them killing birds which would otherwise be shot for sport. It is believed the investigation will centre on the amount of time the fox was left suffering.

A spokesman for the RSPCA, whose patron is the Queen, said: "Investigators are working with the full co-operation of the Palace authorities.

All the evidence will be gathered and put together before a decision is made as to whether anyone will be prosecuted by the police or the RSPCA."

Buckingham Palace refused to comment.