Local Authorities Respond to Concerns Over Welfare of Hoglet Injured by Children in Disturbing Incident.

The heartbreaking case of a young hedgehog used as a football by children has left a local animal rescue center reeling.

After being taken in by Thorne Hedgehog Rescue, the hoglet underwent further assessment under sedation by a vet and was found to have suffered severe injuries, including a broken upper palate and lacerated liver.

The distressing incident is just the latest in a string of cases where hedgehogs have been deliberately harmed by children, with Lisa Steward, owner of the rescue center, stating that this is the fourth time in the past year a hoglet has been used as a football.

WORDS BYLINE: Davina Jethwa / A baby hedgehog had to be put to sleep after being kicked around like a football by a group of heartless yobs. / A DPD driver found the animal being attacked by a group of children in Maidstone. After putting a stop to the shocking cruelty, he took the hoglet to a Vets for Pets branch, where it was collected by a volunteer and taken to Thorne Hedgehog Rescue. / The hedgehog, believed to be between just six and eight weeks old, was found to have sustained multiple injuries from blunt force trauma. It was moved to the intensive care unit and given fluids for shock as well as pain relief. / After further assessment under sedation by a vet, it was found the animal s upper palate had been broken and his liver lacerated from the impact of the attack. To relieve its suffering, the hoglet was put to sleep. / Lisa Steward, owner of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue, said the animal had been kicked like a football . / Any hedgehog out in the day is sick or injured, she said. He would be strug

"You would think that anyone who saw an animal in pain would not want to worsen and inflict further pain and suffering," Lisa said, highlighting the alarming trend of deliberate cruelty cases.

The rescue center, which is entirely volunteer-run and has no paid staff, is currently caring for 100 hedgehogs, with over 60 of them being orphaned hoglets. To help support the costs of medication, food, and cleaning supplies, a JustGiving page has been set up.

Lisa emphasized the importance of providing a safe haven for hedgehogs during the heatwave, stating that putting a shallow dish of water out each day can be a lifesaver for the animals.

The rescue center is calling for support to help care for the animals and to raise awareness about the importance of treating all living creatures with kindness and respect.