Squirrel had to be put down by vets after dog walker kicked it ‘several metres’ across a car park in Leamington

A squirrel was left with injuries to his back, face and eye after a dog walker kicked him ‘several metres’ across a car park in Leamington.

RSPCA Inspector Boris Lasserre has launched an investigation following the incident in the rear car park of Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, Leamington , on the afternoon of Tuesday August 4.

He said: “Members of the public contacted us after seeing a dog walker kick the squirrel twice with such force that he landed several meters away.

"Witnesses said that it was a deliberate attack on the squirrel as he approached the man and was kicked across a path, into undergrowth.

“They said he showed no interest in how the squirrel was and left him collapsed in bushes.”

Mr Lasserre went to the scene and found the squirrel had suffered serious injuries to his back, eye and face.

“He’d been kicked with such force that his tongue had been pierced by his teeth,” added Mr Lasserre.

“Sadly, his injuries were so serious that the kindest option was to put him to sleep.”

Mr Lasserre has now launched an investigation and is 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.

“This is a shocking, violent and deliberate act of cruelty against an innocent animal so I’m extremely keen to speak to this man,” Mr Lasserre added.

“Anyone with information should contact our appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”