East Devon District Council say anyone found fly-tipping in the countryside will be prosecuted.

A ‘horrifying’ discovery was made at a popular walking spot near Honiton.

Former Gittisham resident, Angela Marker, who now lives in Exeter, was shocked to find the bodies of two dead animals dumped in a black bin liner while she was walking along Beech Walk on the outskirts of the village last week.

“I was a bit horrified and disgusted – just wondering who would do such a thing and why,” she said.

The 27-year-old told the Midweek Herald that the bin bag had been discarded at the side of the road for a few days before she discovered what was inside.

“I didn’t want to look too closely – it was absolutely disgusting,” added Angela.

She believes there were at least two animal carcases inside the bag – one of which had been skinned.

“I don’t know why someone would do that to animals and leave it in a public spot where people go walking,” she said.

“It is a really popular spot for children to go, and anyone could have found it.”

East Devon District Council was immediately contacted and Angela says the bag was taken away in a matter of hours.

She said that fly-tipping was a problem in the area, but said signs had been put in place that had seemed to resolve the situation.

She added: “It was becoming a problem along that road as people did come and dump a few things – rubbish bags and general rubbish and sometimes things like washing machines.

“It is an issue that needs to be highlighted – there are lots of nice spots that are ruined by people’s disregard for them.”

A spokesman for the district council said: “A StreetScene operative responded to a report from the public and took away a sack containing the remains of two butchered deer, which had probably been poached from somewhere nearby.”

The district council has said it will prosecute anyone found fly-tipping in the countryside.

The maximum penalty is a fine of up to £50,000 or even prison and a criminal record.

Any incidents of fly-tipping should be reported to EDDC’s Respond, Enforce and Clean Team (REACT) on 01395 517528.