A fox with an arrow shot through its neck has been rescued by a Leatherhead animal charity that now hopes to rehabilitate it, and re-release it into the wild.

From June: Pet poisoner fears as animals fall ill in Wallington

Surrey Comet:

The fox shot with an arrow through its neck

The vixen was left with two gaping 5cm holes either side of its scruff and muscle damage beneath the wounds after it was rescued on Wednesday, December 2.

Surrey Comet:

The fox got stuck in a garden hedge as it tried to escape from the Wildlife Aid Foundation

She is now on the mend and vets at the Wildlife Aid Foundation - from Animal Planet's Wildlife SOS - believe that she will make a full recovery.

The WAF received calls from residents in Dennis Road, Park Road and Hurst Lane in East Molesey, who were concerned for the animal’s welfare.

Surrey Comet:

A close-up shot of the arrow and the vixen’s blood-stained fur

Simon Cowell, founder of the charity in Randalls Road, Leatherhead, led a team of volunteers to track down the wounded animal, and save it from further harm.

Surrey Comet:

The Wildlife Aid Foundation comforting the fox ahead of surgery

Having successfully captured the fox, the Foundation’s in-house vet tended to her injuries and put her in a rehabilitation pen at the centre.

Surrey Comet:

Vet Emma Lloret Avella carries out surgery on the wounded fox

Within minutes she was up on her feet and eating.

Surrey Comet:

The vixen was left with gaping 5cm wounds on either side of its scruff

Mr Cowell told the fox, "I’m sorry that people do this to you."

Mr Cowell said: "It was such a difficult rescue and even in the last second she nearly backed out of the cage.

"That was a very, very unlikely rescue. The catching was a miracle.

"If we can get her back to the wild that would mean a very big drink for everybody concerned.

"I’m really chuffed to pieces."

Surrey Comet:

The fox is now on the mend at the Wildlife Aid Foundation’s centre in Randalls Road, Leatherhead

The Wildlife Aid Foundation answers to about 100 incidents of humans being deliberately cruel to animals every year - a number of them involving animals shot with arrows.

Veterinary physician Emma Lloret Avella said: "It is very sad what people can do.

"Without our help, she would die.

"I am very hopeful about her. She is going to be fine."

The RSPCA were called, but did not send anyone as the WAF were already helping the wounded vixen.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "The RSPCA is very concerned to hear about this incident which sounds like a needless attack on a wild animal, likely to cause suffering.

"We are grateful to the wildlife group for helping this animal in need and are happy to help if needed.

"We would like to remind members of the public to contact us on 0300 123 8018 to report an injured animal or suspected cruelty."