A number of cases have been noted where witnesses report seeing rolled-up hedgehogs being kicked. Other hedgehogs have been taken into rescue centres with mysterious injuries that could be the result of a kicking.

The British Hedgehog Society has reports of two incidents in Sussex, where hedgehogs had been kicked like footballs. Their injuries were so severe they had to be put down after being seen by the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance service. A spokesman says: “We are horrified to think of what these poor hedgehogs went through. We ask that anyone who has any information about such cruelty contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Watch the video below to see a hedgehog rolling up into a ball.