Plea after pregnant hedgehog 'kicked to death'
Castleford Hedgehog RescueWarning: distressing content
A pregnant hedgehog died after being "kicked around like a football" in West Yorkshire, prompting an appeal from an animal rescue charity.
Castleford Hedgehog Rescue said it had taken the hedgehog in on Friday night after the charity was told it had been attacked by a group of boys in nearby Sharlston Common.
Beth Campsill, from the charity, said the "heartbreaking" situation was one of the worst cases of animal cruelty she had seen in 16 years of running the centre.
The hedgehog died from her injuries on Saturday night, the charity said, with her unborn litter unable to be saved. West Yorkshire Police has been contacted for comment.
"It was around six o'clock on Friday night that we had a message asking if we had room for a hedgehog," Campsill said.
"The pictures we were sent of her in advance didn't look too bad, but when we saw her in person it was awful."
She continued: "We took her in and her face and her back had been smashed. She had blood coming out of her eyes. It was absolutely heartbreaking."
The young mammal, believed to be two to three years old, initially appeared to be making a recovery after being given medication, food and water at the centre.
Castleford Hedgehog RescueHowever, she died on Saturday due to the extent of her injuries.
Campsill said: "It just made me feel really angry. I was absolutely mad.
"It's disgusting - the fact she was pregnant just made it worse.
"I've never known a hedgehog have such awful injuries from having been kicked."
The rescue centre said it had been told a group of six boys aged between nine and 13 had attacked the hedgehog on Weeland Avenue.
Those with information or footage relating the incident were asked to contact the centre so it could be shared with police.
Campsill added: "If anyone knows anything or has footage please let us know.
"People can contact us anonymously on Facebook. We just want justice for her."
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