Dead squirrels caught in traps spark outrage

Social media users said the traps were causing unnecessary suffering to innocent creatures

The sight of injured and dead squirrels caught in traps in the grounds of a stately home has sparked outrage from some visitors.

A number of people have taken to social media with descriptions of "heartbreaking displays of animal cruelty" at Weston Park, near Shifnal, near the border of Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Pictures have been posted online of a squirrel hanging out of a trap with its head inside and another squirrel caught in a tube.

A spokeswoman for Weston Park said humane traps were used on part of the estate and added: "We understand how upsetting this was and sincerely apologise to anyone affected."

On Facebook, one commentator, Jeneen Schive, wrote: "Visitors to Weston Park have been confronted with a distressing sight: Squirrel traps placed high in the trees, leaving injured or even dead squirrels caught and visible for all to see.

"This heartbreaking displays of animal cruelty cannot be ignored….these traps are causing unnecessary suffering to innocent creatures."

The spokeswoman for the park said estate managers were now carrying out a review of everything they do to manage the squirrel population on the estate.

"We have a responsibility to control the population of grey squirrels, a non-native invasive species, in a humane and controlled manner," she added.

"We fully understand our visitors care and concern for the park and its wildlife and we remain committed to ensuring that all necessary actions are carried out responsibly in accordance with best practices."