An adult female hedgehog was found in a back garden in Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, covered in blue and yellow paint, apparently to resemble the colours of Leeds United Football Club or to look like Sonic the Hedgehog. The paint caused severe breathing problems and prevented her from curling up into a defensive ball.
Rescue and Treatment
Staff at Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue in Otley, Leeds, took the hedgehog in and cleaned her up, a process that involved scrubbing the oil-based paint from each spine individually and administering pain relief. Diane Cook, 51, who owns the rescue shelter, said the paint was 'so thick and tough it had glued her spines together' and was similar to emulsion used for decorating or road marking paint.
Deliberate Act of Cruelty
'We know it was done deliberately, and she’s not just brushed against wet paint or fallen in some paint because she’s completely covered except for the front of her face, tummy and legs,' Cook said. She described the actions as 'absolutely appalling' and 'disgusting', adding that 'it would have taken some time to do as well, as it wasn’t a quick spray paint'.
Life-Threatening Consequences
According to Cook, if the hedgehog had not been found, she likely would have died. The paint restricted her movement and ability to defend herself against predators. Hedgehogs raise their quills and curl into a tight ball when threatened, but the paint prevented this. She could also have starved or suffered malnutrition if left untreated.
Police Investigation
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident in the LS19 area of Leeds. A spokesperson said: 'Unfortunately, someone in the LS19 area of Leeds has sprayed a hedgehog blue. This has caused unnecessary suffering to the animal, and it is being treated by rescue. If anyone has any information about the incident, please call 101 and quote the crime number 13260401913.'
Hedgehog Conservation Status
Hedgehogs are in decline in Britain and are now listed as 'vulnerable' on Britain’s red list of mammals. According to the latest State of Britain’s hedgehogs report, numbers have fallen by up to 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas since the turn of the century.
Release Plans
Once the hedgehog is paint-free, she will be microchipped and released back into the garden where she was found. Cook said: 'She’s in the best place, and we’re doing everything that we can, and we won’t stop doing everything we can.'
