Site of new hedgehog hospital in Cornwall damaged by "mindless act"
The charity Prickles and Paws say they are "devastated"
A charity say vandals have targeted the site of their new hedgehog hospital in Cornwall, leaving them "out of pocket".
A brass tap was removed from the recently installed water services at Prickles and Paws' plot near RAF St Mawgan between 18 and 21 December.
As a result, the land flooded and it is estimated that over 600 cubic metres of water could have been lost.
The damaged site is the new location for Prickles and Paws' purpose built "Hogspital", which is set to provide the South West with the biggest hedgehog rescue.
The charity are in talks with South West Water to establish the cost and implications.
Co-founders Diane and Katy South said: "We are absolutely devastated to have found this mindless act.
"We are now going to have to install further security fencing and CCTV cameras which will deplete our finances massively.
"Our rescue is supported by so many local people who have donated to help our new Hogspital. We are heart broken, and put a huge damper on the festive period, but this will not stop us.
"We will continue to fight for the things that we care about, and hope that others will join us and in the words of Tom Hanks 'If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.' We remain positive if not a little crushed."
The charity has - ahead of schedule - launched a Crowdfunder to help with the next phase of the build: fencing and drainage and now to help recoup costs through the damage.
Anyone with information about the damage are asked to contact police quoting crime reference number: 50230334921.