By Hedgehogs continue to be killed in Doncaster park
South Yorkshire Police’s Rural Policing team has revealed that hedgehogs are still being killed at Sandall Park in Wheatley, Doncaster, allegedly due to deliberate attacks.
Members of the public have reportedly been calling the police to make them aware of the issue which has been going on for several weeks.
It is believed that the hedgehogs have been killed in the park by humans, not foxes, badgers or dogs.
They are naturally peaceful animals that mostly come out at night.
They are not a threat to humans, but they are currently on the Red List for British Mammals themselves, a report which was conducted by the Mammal Society in a bid to save Britain’s wildlife.
This means that hedgehogs are now classed as being ‘vulnerable’ and at risk of extinction.
A spokesperson for SYP Rural Policing said: “The hedgehogs have been found in the old golf putting area, the children’s play area and in the lake.
“Foul play is suspected as hedgehogs, although don’t normally go into water, are excellent swimmers and have no natural predators except for badgers of which there are none in the area.”
They added: “It is suspected that local youths are causing these hedgehog deaths as the injuries are consistent with the hedgehogs being used as footballs.
“We are urging parents to speak to their children and for anybody witnessing such behaviour to report it to the police.
“If we can gather enough evidence against the offenders, we WILL prosecute them.”
Hedgehogs are currently legally protected under schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, so attacking these creatures is an offence.
They are also protected under the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996.
In a previous statement on their website, a spokesperson for Sandall Park said: “We have some sad/bad news to report.
“There have been at least eight dead hedgehogs in the park over the last week or so.
“We don’t believe their deaths have been natural, nor do we believe they have been killed by a fox, badger or dog.
“We will not be posting details of their apparent injuries or other details as it would be too upsetting for people.
“We just want to make you aware so that if you see a hedgehog in distress, you can perhaps report it?
“It is nice to know that there are (or were) so many hedgehogs in the park.
“Let’s hope they go into hibernation soon so that some may survive until next year.”
(Main photo: Government / Brokenshire MP)
