A SQUIRREL was left with fatal injuries after being kicked several meters by a dog walker.
The RSPCA is investigating after reports a man kicked a squirrel twice with such force the animal landed several meters away.
The incident happened in the rear car park of Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre in Leamington during the afternoon of Tuesday August 4.
Witnesses said it was a deliberate attack on the squirrel as he approached the man and was kicked across a path, into undergrowth.
The dog walker then left the squirrel collapsed in bushes with back, eye and face injuries.
Insp Boris Lasserre said: “Members of the public said he showed no interest in how the squirrel was.
“He’d been kicked with such force that his tongue had been pierced by his teeth.
“Sadly, his injuries were so serious the kindest option was to put him to sleep.”
The RSPCA is now appealing for information.
The man is described as white, in his mid 30s to mid 40s, with short brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a navy blue jumper and blue trousers.
The dogs he was walking were described as a grey long-haired lurcher and a grey or black greyhound.
Insp Lasserre added: “This is a shocking, violent and deliberate act of cruelty against an innocent animal so I’m extremely keen to speak to this man.”
Anyone with information should call 0300 123 8018 to speak to the RSPCA.
