Hedgehog attacked in Shenley dies along with her hoglets

A rescue centre that took in the helpless animal confirmed that her condition had deteriorated, so with a “heavy heart”, a decision was made to put her down.

She was kicked by youths in Porters Park Drive in Shenley at around 7pm on Monday, June 20.

The hedgehog suffered multiple injuries including to her leg, mouth, and spine, and was also left partially blind.

Police, who are investigating the attack, said she only survived at the time because passers-by stepped in.  

The youths attacked the hedgehog in Porters Park Drive near the junction with Tagalie Place in Shenley. Credit: Google Maps

However, London Colney Hedgehog Rescue, which took the hedgehog – named as H4 - in, announced yesterday (June 27) that her injuries proved to be fatal. Her three hoglets, who she gave birth to after the attack, have also died.

In a Facebook post, the centre said: “It is with a heavy heart that I bring you this bad news. Unfortunately H4 was put to sleep today and we're devastated.

“She had deteriorated and unable to eat. The injury in the roof of her mouth was too severe to heal and impossible to stitch. Even syringe feeding was not fair with the amount of discomfort it was causing her.

“Both the vets and I made the decision to let her go whilst she was under anaesthetic.

“Thank you for everyone's support and we won't give up trying to find those evil children who have now actually killed not one but four hedgehogs if we count her babies too.”

The hedgehog was being cared for by London Colney Rescue Centre but her injuries proved to be too serious

Police believe the attackers are aged 12 or 13. They were last seen fleeing down an alleyway near Tagalie Place on June 20.

PC Dan Hill said: “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.

“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.”

The hedgehog, named H4, who has died

Anyone with information can visit https://www.herts.police.uk/ro/report/ or call 101 quoting reference 41/50042/22 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/