A FERRET was attacked by four people who stamped on it and kicked it before setting two dogs on it before dumping the dying animal in a nearby skip.

The RSPCA were called to investigate the horrific incident which happened on a field off Hawthorn Terrace, in Stanley, County Durham, on Thursday.

A shocked witness told how they saw four people beating the ferret with their feet and were seen kicking and stomping on it.

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They had two dogs with them which they were also setting on the ferret.

One attacker was then seen to throw the dying pet into a plastic lego box which they then put in a nearby skip.

The witness went to rescue the ferret and then reported the matter to the RSPCA.

Animal rescuer Inspector Heidi Cleaver was sent to the scene and she rushed the young male ferret to a nearby vet’s but he was found to have multiple broken bones, collapsed lungs and spinal trauma.

The Northern Echo:

An x-ray of the ferret

The vet decided the kindest thing to do was to put the animal to sleep to end his suffering.

Heidi said: “I find it barbaric that four people decided to launch such a vile attack on a small and defenceless ferret.

“The poor animal must have suffered during this vicious assault in which he was repeatedly kicked and stamped on and two dogs were also encouraged to join in.

“The seriously injured pet was then discarded like rubbish and left to die in a plastic box.

“I managed to get the ferret to a nearby vet’s really quickly as I was in the area - but sadly the pet was too badly injured to be saved. It was terribly sad.”

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Heidi is now keen to find those responsible for the attack which happened at around noon and is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

She would also be keen to see if anyone has CCTV in the area which may help with her investigation.

Anyone with information should call the RSPCA appeals line on 0300-123-8018.

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