Appeal made after rare white squirrel shot with air gun
A rare white squirrel was left ‘screaming in pain’ after she was shot in the head with an air gun.
The animal had to be put to sleep to end its suffering, said the RSPCA.
The charity was called to reports of a collapsed squirrel on a field on in St James Road, Cannock, after a member of the public spotted the animal writhing in pain.
Inspector Laura Baker found the poor squirrel screaming and could see a pellet wound in the top of the rodent’s head.
She said: “The poor squirrel was screaming in pain and she kept fitting and thrashing around – it was so upsetting to see.
“It is such a cruel thing to do – often air guns don’t kill animals outright and they are left in agony. Also this one could have had babies which were dependent on her, we just don’t know.
“I know this white squirrel was quite popular with residents living nearby and they would often feed her so they have been left very upset about this incident.
“I believe she may have been targeted because of her unusual colour and the fact she stood out, which is so sad.
“I am now appealing for members of the public to help me trace who is responsible for this cowardly and unnecessary attack.”
The white squirrel is in fact a grey squirrel born with leucism which is a partial loss of pigmentation to the fur but its eye colour remains the same. This is different to albino squirrels who have a congenital condition caused by an absence of melanin, which normally gives colour to the skin, hair and eyes.
Anyone with information about who carried out the shooting, which happened at about 8pm on June 27, should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0800 123 8018.
The RSPCA is calling for tighter controls on air weapons, together with requirements that everyone must receive basic safety trainingbefore being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.
