A baby hedgehog had to be put to sleep after being 'kicked around like a football' by a group of children in Maidstone, Kent. A DPD driver discovered the animal being attacked by children and intervened, then took the hoglet to a Vets for Pets branch. A volunteer collected it and brought it to Thorne Hedgehog Rescue.
Hoglet's injuries were severe
The hedgehog, estimated to be between six and eight weeks old, sustained multiple injuries from blunt force trauma. It was placed in intensive care and given fluids for shock and pain relief. A vet's assessment under sedation revealed a broken upper palate and a lacerated liver. To end its suffering, the hoglet was euthanized.
Lisa Steward, owner of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue, said the animal had been 'kicked like a football'. She noted that any hedgehog out during the day is likely sick or injured, and the heatwave worsens dehydration and limited water access. 'Any kid seeing that, you would think they would tell their mum, who would organise for it to go to a vet or rescue, but that didn't happen,' she said.
Fourth such incident in a year
Steward reported this is the fourth time in the past year a hoglet has been used as a football. 'You would think that anyone who saw an animal in pain would not want to worsen and inflict further pain and suffering,' she added. The rescue centre currently cares for 100 hedgehogs, with over 60 orphaned hoglets. It is entirely volunteer-run with no paid staff.
Steward urged the public to put out shallow dishes of water during the heatwave, which can be a 'lifesaver' for hedgehogs. A JustGiving page has been set up to support medication, food, and cleaning supply costs.
