Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

A German cop is being prosecuted for deliberately using his patrol car to run over a badly injured fox lying by the side of the road.

The incident happened in the German market town of Buttenheim located in the Upper Franconian district of Bamberg where worried locals called the police to report the badly injured fox.

According to local media, the animal appeared to be injured by a passing vehicle and was lying by the roadside, unable to move.

Reports said the police officer tried to put the fox in his car before taking it to a vet for treatment, however the frightened animal snarled and snapped at the cop and he gave up his efforts.

As the fox was badly injured and clearly suffering, the officer decided to run it over with his car and put it out of its misery, according to local media.

A police spokesman said: “Due to the details we have received about the case, an investigation is being carried out by officers who were not involved in the incident.”

It was not revealed what punishment the police officer may face if the probe rules he acted improperly.

The investigation is ongoing.

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