Mayo gardaí discovered fox cub during searches of properties

GARDAÍ conducting searches of properties in Mayo found something they weren't quite expecting - a young fox cub.

The cub was being kept in a cage.

Members were conducting planned searches of a number of properties in the county yesterday morning when they found the caged cub.

Foxes are wild animals and it is a criminal offence to keep any wild animal in captivity.

Gardaí liaised with the local dog warden to bring the animal to safety right away and after being assessed by a vet he was placed in the care of an animal rescue centre.

Gardaí are currently investigating under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013.