TWO people have been charged in relation to allegations involving cruelty to a fox.

The incident was believed to have happened in the Coggeshall area, last December.

Paul O’Shea, of Mount Bures, has been charged with hunting a wild mammal with dogs, an offence under the Hunting Act 2004.

The 49-year-old was also charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Additionally, a 16-year-old girl from the Bures area has also been charged with hunting a wild animal with dogs.

An incident believed to have taken place on December 4 in the Coggeshall area was reported to Essex Police, with officers from the Rural Engagement Team subsequently launching an investigation.

Both defendants are due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court later this month, on Wednesday, June 22.