THERE’S a vixen living in Parkstone that hobbles around on three legs, trailing its injured fourth.

Surviving is tough enough for that creature but what makes it all the harder for her is that she’s believed to be the mother of two young cubs.

And, whatever people think of urban foxes, those who see her passing all respond with sympathy to her plight. That is because the vast majority of us care about animals.

You would think that people who own pets would be particularly caring. And, without doubt, the huge majority are.

But, to their shame, no fewer than 204 people were prosecuted for animal cruelty and neglect in the South West last year with the number growing.

You wonder how anyone could be so heartless as to let a dog become as pitifully emaciated as Soldier, the alsatian pictured in the Echo today.

The RSPCA may be pushed to near “breaking point” handling prosecutions but it is vital that anyone causing suffering should feel the bite of justice.