A GOAT killer is feared to have struck again after a mutilated carcass was found dumped in a supermarket car park.
The goat, which was missing one of its ears, was discovered in an underground parking area at the huge Tesco store in Quay Street, Fareham.
Police and the RSPCA launched an investigation after the grisly discovery was made at 6am on Tuesday.
It is the latest in a spate of incidents in which at least five dead animals have been dumped in towns and villages across Hampshire.
Last night the person responsible for the killings was branded “scum” by Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council.
He said: “It’s absolutely horrifying. I can’t understand why anyone would want to commit such acts of barbarity against innocent creatures – and then put them where it would distress as many people as possible.”
The gruesome saga began in December when a goat’s carcass was found in Wickham.
Last week another dead goat was dumped at Newmans Hill, near Fareham, and on Sunday a couple out walking came across the skinned remains of an unknown animal in a lay-by at Ryedown Lane in Romsey.
Earlier this week a carcass was found at Cunningham Gardens in Bursledon, a week after another goat had been dumped in the same street.
RSPCA investigators said one of the goats discovered in Cunningham Gardens had “suffered terribly” before it died.
Eastleigh MP Mims Davies, whose constituency includes Bursledon, said: “Animal welfare is one of the biggest issues that people in our area write to me about and this news will be concerning for many.
“If anybody locally has seen anything concerning or suspicious near to the sites of these reported incidents, please call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”
The goat dumped outside the supermarket in Fareham was found by a member of the public.
Last night an RSPCA spokeswoman said: “These incidents are very distressing.
“We are urging anyone with information about what has happened to any of these goats, or who knows where they have come from, to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 or police on 101.”
The spokeswoman confirmed that one of the goat’s ears had been removed.
A police spokesman confirmed that officers were assisting the RSPCA investigation but was unable to provide any more details.
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