AN animal charity attracted criticism after posting a photo of 37 dead birds on Facebook and saying they were “sacrifices to the cat gods”.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital, based in Orsett, made the shocking post as part of a plea to cat owners to keep their pets indoors. The post added that cats are causing an “ecological disaster” by harming wildlife.

Cat lovers were quick to comment on the post, with many saying it was unfair. But others leapt to the hospital’s defence, with one Facebook user posting: “ I reckon they’ve gained a few more supporters for speaking up on an issue that many, many people are concerned about.”

The charity later clarified: “No one is blaming cats.”