RSPCA issue appeal after fears hedgehog ‘tortured’ in Norfolk
He was found with his legs tied and spines cut short
The RSPCA's looking for information after reports a hedgehog was tortured in North Norfolk.
The hedgehog - who was found alive, but in severe pain - was spotted on Saturday evening (15 July) by a member of the public, on a footpath adjacent to Arkell Avenue in Holt.
The wild animal was found with his legs tied together by blue electrical tape, while his spines had been trimmed down very short.
He was taken to a vet in Fakenham by the member of the public at approximately 8pm - and the practice subsequently contacted the RSPCA.
The vet decided to put the hedgehog to sleep due to his condition, and so as not to prolong his pain.
The charity is now urging people in the local area to check CCTV and video doorbell footage in the hope of identifying any perpetrators.
RSPCA inspector Ben Kirby said: "It was absolutely heartbreaking to see the state this poor hedgehog had been left in - with his legs bound together by tape, and his spines trimmed right down.
"He'd also been sprayed with blue paint - potentially so they'd be able to see him more clearly in the nearby hedgerow after they'd tortured him.
“I just cannot believe what this poor hedgehog has been put through; it seems very much like he has been the victim of a premeditated attack. It's the most callous incident I've had to deal with in 16 years as an officer.
"This was a shocking discovery for the member of the public who found him to make, and we're really grateful to them for sounding the alarm and racing this poor hedgehog to a local vet.
"We're now looking into exactly what happened here - and who may be responsible. We know video doorbells and CCTV can override fairly quickly - so we've launched this urgent appeal for information in the hope that the local community can support our enquiries.
"If anyone saw anything suspicious in this area of Holt in recent days, we urge them to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018."