Hitchin Squirrel Rescue react to attack on pregnant hedgehog

A renowned Hitchin animal group has reacted to an appalling attack on a pregnant hedgehog.

Hitchin Squirrel Rescue have a well-earned reputation for caring for stricken squirrels - and have been shocked by concerned by the Hertfordshire attack.

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following an incident where a pregnant hedgehog was attacked and seriously injured.

At around 7pm on Monday (June 20), several boys were seen kicking the hedgehog and throwing stones at it in Porters Park Drive, Shenley, close to the junction with Tagalie Place.

Two passers-by intervened and the youths, thought to be aged between 12 and 13, were abusive before making off down an alleyway. The hedgehog was taken to a rescue centre for treatment. 

PC Dan Hill said: "Thankfully two passers-by intervened as I doubt this hedgehog would have survived the attack otherwise. 

"After being taken to the rescue centre it was discovered that the animal was pregnant and had suffered a number of serious injuries including the loss of sight in one of her eyes, spinal damage, a broken leg, fractured jaw and a laceration to her jaw. 

"She is currently being cared for at the rescue centre and has since given birth to three hoglets, sadly one was stillborn. 

"Vets found that the hedgehog was microchipped and checks revealed that she was born at a rescue centre last year after her mother was injured. They had been released back into the wild in October.  

"We are a nation of animal lovers so I'm sure that many of you will be appalled by this incident. I would like to reassure the local community that we do take animal cruelty seriously and the Rural Operational Support Team, who specialise in dealing with rural and wildlife crime, will be assisting us with this investigation."

Hitchin Squirrel Rescue react to the disturbing attack

Hitchin Squirrel Rescue have been earning plaudits for their unsung work in helping squirrels with the not-for-profit organisation in our town being consistently acclaimed for their outstanding care of the cute creatures since they launched in 2019. 

Run by husband and wife team Paul and Ania Allum, they turned their house into a sanctuary for stricken squirrels, stumping up thousands of pounds of their hard-earned cash over the years on food and medicines on the injured creatures.

Throughout lockdown and beyond the busy pair earned a renowned reputation for providing love for the cute critters and currently play host to nine of the loveable creatures.

However, it goes without saying they love all animals - and have been appalled at the news of the attack on the pregnant hedgehog.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News, kind-hearted animal lover Paul said: "It's dreadful. We don't rescue hedgehogs but we love them all the same. And if there is any way we can help any animal then we will. It's sad to see incidents such as this are becoming more and more common.

"There is too much killing of animals - regardless whether they have been introduced to the UK, or not the eco system needs all animals to maintain the fine balance - however a majority of killings of animals for fun is by youngsters and this goes back to the lack of education by the parents.

"You still have those that hunt animals for fun and profit but all animals - and I mean all - have the right to live.

"It doesn't matter whether it's a muntjac deer from India or a mouse from the UK - who gives humans the right to decide what lives or dies?

"As humans we can't even sort ourselves out - so why should we interfere with animals that are much better at surviving than us?

"Animals have enough to worry about without mindless thugs killing for fun.

"At at this time of year it's baby session for hedgehogs - and it saddens me to think you have people going round doing things like this.

"We are in 2022 not 1640 - I really hope the police catch and prosecute them as should be done for all animals."

If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened or have dash cam footage or CCTV or any other information that could help us to identify those involved please get in touch as soon as possible.