Children use hedgehog as football

A hedgehog has been kicked to death by a group of kids as young as just 9 years old in Ellesmere Port.

The RSPCA are trying to find the eight youths who they say kicked the animal like a football.

RSPCA inspector Naomi Norris said: “Around eight young boys, described as aged between about 9 and 11-years-old, were seen using the hedgehog as a football.

“The poor thing didn’t stand a chance.”

A post-mortem examination has been carried out which found the animal had died of severe internal injuries.

“All it could do was curl up to protect itself and that’s how it was found,” said inspector Norris.

“This seems to have been an extremely cruel attack on a totally defenseless animal for the pleasure of the youngsters involved. I’d like to hear from anyone who knows anything about what happened as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information can contact the RSPCA in confidence on the 24-hour cruelty line 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for inspector Norris.