LIVE lobsters are being sold in a Halesowen superstore which has led to complaints of animal cruelty after accusations the creatures are being mistreated by customers.

Due to increasing demand Makro reintroduced live lobsters into stores despite stopping selling the crustaceans several years ago after a successful animal rights campaign.

However, some customers, uneducated with the delicate nature of lobster care, have been accused of dumping the live creatures on the check out before throwing them in the boot of cars with the rest of their shopping.

A sickened customer, who did not want to be named, said: “The sight of these poor lobsters for sale is very distressing especially when they are plonked on the check out conveyor belt and are basically suffocating in front of your eyes.

“I had to explain to my child why there was a live creature next to him at the check-out and that it would soon be boiled alive for someone’s dinner.”

The customer added: “I am sure there are people who transport the lobsters very carefully but there are obviously other customers who have no clue what they are doing and kill them by mistake before they even get home.”

When the News visited the Pitcairn Drive store lobsters were housed in an unmanned water tank, which did not have any clear instructions for customers concerning animal welfare, and plastic rings had been wrapped around the crustaceans pincers.

Animal rights campaigners Animal Aid condemned the return of live lobsters for sale in Makro.

A spokesman for Animal Aid said: “Our previous campaign to stop Makro selling lobsters was successful but now they have started again we are calling them to immediately stop.

“There is a worrying issue concerning welfare of lobsters after they leave the store as customers often do not know what to do with them.”

The German owned supermarket giant has defended the sale of live lobsters.

A spokesman said: “Makro specialises in supporting the professional needs of hotel, restaurant and catering customers.

“Driven by increasing demand from the general public, fresh lobster is a popular item on the food menu of these businesses.

“Makro has responded to the growing demand from our customers by re-introducing the sale of live lobsters.

“We invest significantly to ensure the highest standards of lobster health and well-being in our stores.

“A key part of this investment is our experienced in-store fish mongers, who not only have the know-how to handle lobsters appropriately, but they undergo specific lobster handling training to the agreed company due diligence process.”