A hedgehog found covered in yellow and blue paint, believed to have been deliberately targeted by football fans, has died, an animal shelter announced. The adult female hedgehog was discovered on July 13 in Yeadon, Leeds.
The paint left the animal unable to curl into a protective ball and caused breathing problems due to the fumes, according to Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue in Otley, Leeds. Despite efforts to clean the oil-based paint from each spine and administer pain relief, the hedgehog, named Honey, passed away.
West Yorkshire Police's Wildlife and Rural Crime team arrested four men, aged 44, 21, 17, and 15, on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The men have since been bailed pending further inquiries.
Diane Cook, the owner of the animal shelter, described the act as "appalling" and expressed devastation over Honey's death. She noted that the paint was thick and had glued the hedgehog's spines together, suggesting the animal was deliberately targeted as only the front of her body was left untouched.
"It is cruel and a completely unnecessary death. When are people going to stop and think about their actions and the impact they are having on nature?" Cook stated.
Hedgehogs are currently listed as vulnerable on Britain's red list of mammals, with populations declining significantly in both urban and rural areas since the turn of the century. The shelter owner questioned her ability to continue operating the rescue center following the incident.
Police are appealing for information and have provided reference number 13260401913 for those who wish to come forward. Anonymous tips can also be made to Crimestoppers.