East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) is appealing for witnesses to a horrendously cruel act of violent towards a hedgehog, to come forward to name and shame a group of youths seen kicking a hedgehog close to death in Eastbourne yesterday afternoon (Sunday).
Rescuer Tony Neads was on site very quickly and found the hedgehog dumped in a bin. "The hedgehog had blood pouring from his mouth and was in a horrendous condition" said Tony Nead.
The hedgehog, still alive, was rushed to Horsebridge Vets for emergency veterinary assistance by veterinary surgeon Rosario Gutierrez. Rosario told WRAS that the injuries were consistent with severe kicking to the body with internal bruising and damage.
"The hedgehog is in a severe condition and is in a critical condition. WRAS hedgehog carer Monica Russell will be taking on the hedgehog from the vets later today if it survives, and WRAS will start the slow process of rebuilding the hedgehog’s health." said WRAS Casualty Care Manager Tim McKenzie.
"This is very worrying that youngsters can inflict so much suffering and violence to another living creature without thinking about the cruelty and pain it causes. This behaviour is not acceptable in today’s society and I hope that the friends of these people will name and shame those responsible. This is a very cowardly act." said Trevor Weeks, founder of WRAS.
Update (2 Sept 2008)
"The hedgehog unfortunately passed away last night. Examination of the hedgehog also revealed the hedgehog to have been pregnant." said Trevor Weeks Founder of WRAS. WRAS is urging anyone with information about this incident to contact Sussex Police and the RSPCA. "I can’t believe that this has happened and this harmless creature has been treated so cruelly. In effect 5 lives have been lost due to these thugs." said Trevor.
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Press Contacts: Trevor Weeks, East Sussex WRAS, 07931 523958
Tim McKenzie, East Sussex WRAS, 07969-464052
