Hedgehog Found Covered in Paint, Unable to Curl Up
An adult female hedgehog was found in a back garden in Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorkshire, painted in yellow and blue – the colours of Leeds United football club. The paint, believed to be oil-based and similar to emulsion or road-marking paint, prevented the animal from curling into a defensive ball and caused severe breathing problems due to fumes.
Rescue Centre Describes Actions as 'Disgusting'
Diane Cook, 51, owner of Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue in Otley, Leeds, said the hedgehog was deliberately painted, as it was completely covered except for the front of its face, tummy, and legs. “It’s an unbelievably stupid thing to do,” she said. “This is absolutely disgusting behaviour to happen to any animal, never mind a creature that in our country is on the Red List and classed as ‘vulnerable to extinction’.”
Paint Caused Restricted Movement and Health Risks
Because the paint glued the hedgehog’s spines together, it could not curl up, leaving it defenceless against predators. Cook warned the animal could have been killed, starved to death, or suffered malnutrition. The paint fumes caused severe breathing problems, and the hedgehog risked toxicity from licking the paint. Staff scrubbed each individual spine and administered pain relief.
Hedgehog to Be Released After Recovery
Once the paint is fully removed, the hedgehog will be microchipped and released back into the garden where it was found. Hedgehogs are in decline in Britain, listed as “Vulnerable” on the country’s red list. 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 2000.
Police Appeal for Information
West Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident in the LS19 area of Leeds. A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately someone 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, please call 101 and quote crime number 13260401913.”
