Fox alert as food left outside

The containers have been placed “covertly” in the Eldon Road playing fields area in recent weeks, Rotherham Council said.

Samples have been sent away for analysis, with the findings confirming that the food is not contaminated.

But one resident said: “Last Thursday, there was what looked to be what was left of an animal there. The smell was shocking.

“This has been going on now for three months plus. The council and police are all aware.

“It’s more or less the same area at Eldon Road playing fields. Someone needs to find out who is doing this and why.

“I think someone is trying to catch foxes.”

A spokesperson for Rotherham Council said: “The council is aware that various containers filled with pet food have been left outside at Eldon Road Recreation Ground over the last few weeks.

“A sample has been collected and sent to the Food Safety Laboratory who have confirmed the food is not contaminated.

“We have made South Yorkshire Police aware.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police confirmed that RMBC had made them aware but the matter was not something officers were looking into.