Two badgers have been killed by dogs in "targeted" attacks in North Lanarkshire.

The Scottish SPCA said the body of the first badger was found at the Ravenscraig Steelworks site in April.

A member of the public discovered the second animal four miles away in the Riccard Johnston woodland area on Thursday, July 7.

A Scottish SPCA inspector said a post-mortem examination "conclusively" proved it had been killed by dogs and the animal welfare charity now fears there is a "distinct possibility" someone may be targeting badgers.

He said: "We are beginning to suspect that there is a distinct possibility someone is actually targeting these animals.

"The previous incident is still under investigation and we are working with local wildlife crime police and Scottish Badgers.

"We are still looking into names that were highlighted as a result of our last appeal for information and we are very keen to speak to anyone with information about individuals who have potentially been involved in either of these cases."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.