Police are appealing for information after a number of raccoon dogs were found dead on roadsides across Derbyshire.
Officers say several of the animals, also known as tanukis, have been recovered from roadsides around Matlock and Ashover.
According to a report from Derbyshire Live, raccoon dogs have been kept as domestic pets over the years and have also been bred for the pet trade. However, as of February 9 this year, they have been illegal to sell.
Derbyshire police’s wildlife officer said it was illegal to release raccoon dogs into the wild or allow them to escape and that they must be kept in a secure premises.
They feed on insects, rodents, amphibians, birds, fish, carrion and fruit and berries.
Police say the animals could have a ‘devastating’ effect on local wildlife.
Derbyshire police’s wildlife officer told Derbyshire Live: “If you see any of these dead or alive, please report it to us on 101 or message me on Facebook with an exact location (use the What3Words app if possible, as this gives us a very accurate location) and ask for the information to be passed PC 2581 or PC 14281 of the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team.
“Or if you have information about anyone releasing these or allowing them to escape into the wild please again call 101 or call Crimestoppers.”
