im posting for advice really.
We live in a fairly remote (but popular with walkers) area.
Yesterday when driving home we found, at the top of our lane, a dead animal on a rock. Nothing strange about that, it’s a wild area and there are dead animals here and there much of the time. However, this animal had been ‘displayed’. I think it was a rabbit, placed on its back with its internal organs intact but completely opened up and spread out across the rocks. A feather and a stick had been placed in its middle and a beer can where its head would be.
Now as much as I find this perverse, I get that some idiot possibly just thought this funny. However, the things that are bothering me are the reasons why someone would feel compelled to do such a thing. I am aware of occasions historically where stock such as horses and sheep have been violently maimed and this has been a very serious matter (of course). This is a rabbit which some might consider less of an issue due to them not being a protected or ‘owned’ creature. To me, it’s not about what species is involved but the level of depravity at play. With the aforementioned cases I remember reading something about such injury to animals being a precursor to other types of violent crime.
There is the possibility this was some sort of ritualistic thing but I doubt that on the basis that a beer can is unlikely to be symbolic and also I’d have thought this would not have been taken place in full view of the road.
Finally, I am concerned due to the fact that we are very isolated and this has happened at the top of a 1 mile track from us - where the semi private lane meets the road. It’s true to say that folk camp in camper vans (illegally) from time to time but I haven’t noticed any too majorly concerning looking sorts up there recently. It is mainly families that do stop and they are no bother.
i feel a bit OTT reporting to police but also feel it shouldn’t just be ignored.
Any opinions? I’m not a worrier but this seems concerning. Thanks!