A HOMEOWNER has caused a stir after a mural was painted on the side of a property.

The house, in St Luke’s Road, Brighton, is raising awareness of the extinction of wildlife and animals because of human activity and climate change.

It shows a 12-foot high African wild dog, painted by street artist Kid Squid for the Extinction Rebellion protest group.

The mural states there are only 6,600 creatures left in the wild, and the species is now endangered.

Kid Squid says it has already led to comments and discussion from schoolchildren walking past the art while it was being painted earlier this month.

It was her first mural wall piece, and she said: “I’m proud of how it looks and the conversation it has sparked.

“I grew up in South Africa and it is one of my favourite animals, but a lot of people don’t realise it is endangered.”

She said she has now been approached by Extinction Rebellion with ideas for another mural in the city.

One homeowner, Andrew Campbell, said: “When Extinction Rebellion asked to use our wall for a temporary mural, we didn’t hesitate to say yes.

“Every day seems to bring more bad news about the environment and it’s great to see people fighting back.

“We hope the mural encourages people to not give up and to keep pushing for real action.

“The reaction from our neighbours has been overwhelmingly positive. This is Brighton after all.

Meanwhile a second resident, who did not wish to be named, said the mural took six days to paint.

She said: “It has caused a bit of a stir as we are in a conservation area.

“But this is about conservation of endangered wildlife so there is a bit of an irony to complain about it.

“We wanted to raise awareness and were approached by Extinction Rebellion about this issue.

Environment

“I am not a member myself, but I am aware of the issues surrounding the environment and climate change.

“We have two young children and we live near a school.

“The reaction has been mixed, but the children love it. So I’m pleased.

“It won’t be a permanent mural, and I did not do this to upset anybody.

“We did this to be a conversation starter and to bring it to the forefront of people’s minds.”

Extinction Rebellion is set to launch protests in London later this month.

What do you think of the mural? Email: news@theargus.co.uk.