Hedgehog used as a football

03 July 2009

A HEDGEHOG used as a football is just one incident that has appalled staff at Secret World Wildlife Rescue.

The shocking spate of animal cruelty cases in the area appears to be getting worse according to staff.

Charity founder of the rescue centre in East Huntspill, Pauline Kidner, said that in the past few weeks they have had several incidents that have been 'almost beyond belief.'

She said: "Two weeks ago a roe fawn was accidentally caught in a mower and the farmer merely threw the animal on the side and continued working.

"Luckily a passer-by saw what happened and brought the animal into Secret World. "The front leg was completely sheared off and both back legs were broken."

A badger, a gull and a buzzard were also admitted with gun shot wounds that week.

A member of the public had caught children playing football with a hedgehog.

The hedgehog was immediately taken to the vets where it was X-rayed and found to have a fractured spine and it later died.

Pauline added: "There is no excuse for cruelty. We will respond at all times.

"People do not seem to think that wildlife feels pain. It has a right to respect and care as do all animals."

A distraught resident who has been feeding foxes and cubs in her garden for 11 years is fearful for the animals' lives as a neighbour is now campaigning with other residents to destroy them.

Should they leave the cubs behind, which are dependant, then this would be illegal under the new Animal Welfare Bill.









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