Target: John Robins, Chief Constable, West Yorkshire, UK
Goal: Punish those allegedly responsible for kicking a pregnant hedgehog like a football and ensure meaningful lawful consequences if cruelty is proven.
A heavily pregnant hedgehog suffered devastating injuries after a group of boys allegedly cornered her and kicked her around “like a football” in Sharlston Common. Castleford Hedgehog Rescue reported that the animal had suffered severe injuries to her face and back, and that she was bleeding from her eyes and had been left blind when rescuers took her into their care.
The rescue center provided medication, food and water while attempting to save her. Despite initially appearing to improve, the hedgehog died from her reported injuries the following night, her unborn hoglets dying with her. The rescue received information alleging that six boys, believed to be between nine and 13 years old, were involved. No individual suspect has been publicly identified, and the alleged involvement of any particular person remains unproven.
Investigators should seek CCTV, doorbell recordings and firsthand witness accounts capable of establishing exactly what happened. Hedgehogs already face serious population pressures across Britain. A pregnant wild animal and her unborn litter are now dead following an alleged act of extraordinary cruelty. Authorities must establish responsibility and ensure an appropriate response if the allegations are substantiated.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chief Constable Robins,
A heavily pregnant hedgehog died after suffering catastrophic injuries in Sharlston Common. Castleford Hedgehog Rescue reportedly received information that a group of boys had allegedly kicked the defenseless animal around like a football. Her face and back were severely injured. She was bleeding from her eyes and had been left blind. Her unborn hoglets ultimately died with her.
No individual has been publicly identified as responsible. Please ensure that investigators pursue available CCTV and doorbell footage, obtain firsthand witness statements and carefully establish who, if anyone, participated in the alleged attack. Any allegation involving a particular young person must be evaluated fairly and supported by evidence before responsibility is determined.
If the evidence establishes that individuals deliberately subjected this hedgehog to cruelty, please ensure that the strongest appropriate measures permitted by law are pursued, taking account of the ages and legal status of those involved. A pregnant animal allegedly endured horrifying violence before she and her unborn litter died. This case deserves a serious investigation and meaningful accountability.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: byapryl
