Tortured badger dumped at the side of the M54 in Shropshire

The "sickening discovery" was found at the side of the M54 between junction three at Shifnal and junction four at Albrighton.

On closer inspection, the Shropshire Badger Group found evidence that members claim show it may have been attacked by dogs.

Fran Wood, of the Shropshire Badger Group, said: "A passing motorist had spotted what appeared to be the head of a dead badger sticking out from a black refuse sack on the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway, not far from Tong Forge, just to the west of Tong on the Staffordshire border.

"Upon investigation, the decomposing body of an adult badger was retrieved. The badger had evidently been killed several days previously, but not by collision with a vehicle, as would be expected on a busy motorway, but with premeditated cruelty by perpetrators of animal torture known as baiting with dogs."

The group claims the badger was covered in puncture wounds from dog bites, and most of its teeth had been broken.

Its jaw had been smashed and both of its hind legs we fractured, one dislocated and almost completely severed.

One of its eyes was badly damaged by a heavy blow to the side of the head.

"Most shockingly of all, the badger had been disembowelled," Ms Wood said.

West Mercia Police is investigating and Ms Wood is asking anyone with information to come forward, especially if they may have dashcam footage from the M54.

She said: "Anyone who may be suspicious of a neighbour whose dogs have serious fresh injuries to the face or neck is also asked to get in touch. We need to catch the people who inflicted such unimaginable suffering on this poor badger."

Anybody with information is being asked to contact police on 101, asking for Wildlife Crime Officer PC 348 Gerry Plant. on Ext. 5976 citing incident number 682S of April 21.

Alternatively people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org