AN X-RAY image has revealed a grisly act of animal cruelty in the Conwy Valley.

The body of a badger was found by North Wales Police near Henryd in the Conwy Valley Conwy, which died after being shot multiple times in the head.

The X-Ray shows the animal with multiple pellets lodged in its skull.

A spokesperson for the Rural Crime Team tweeted: "We are working on a case with the RSPCA where a badger has been found snared and dead near Henrhyd, Conwy

"X-Ray examination reveals that it has been shot several times in the head with an air weapon, the snare had also been removed by the offender.

"Anyone with any information please call police on 101."

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Sadly, this badger was found dead with injuries consistent with snaring, while X-rays revealed air gun pellets to the head.

It is an offence, under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, to willfully injure, kill or take a badger - except under licence.

Badgers are also listed under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which would make the use of a snare to catch badgers an offence.

The spokesperson added: "Given this legal framework, it could perhaps be assumed this badger was not the target for the snare - but this only highlights the indiscriminate nature of these cruel devices.

"Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, or to contact the Police on 101."