A tiny hedgehog volunteers came to know as Honey has died after being found covered in blue and yellow spray paint in a garden in Yeadon, Leeds. The badly injured animal was rushed to a local rescue, where volunteers spent days trying to save her, carefully working paint off her spines. Despite their efforts, she did not pull through. West Yorkshire Police say four people have been arrested as part of the investigation.
Rescuers Scraped Paint From Every Spine
According to Prickly Pigs, the paint appeared to be oil-based and had effectively glued Honey's spines together. That left her unable to curl up for protection and struggling to breathe. Volunteers spent days painstakingly scraping paint from each quill while giving her pain relief and other medication, the rescue says.
Diane Cook, who runs the Otley charity, told ITV: "She was wheezing which we suspect was a result of potentially breathing in the fumes of the paint she's been covered in."
Police Arrest Four, All Released On Bail
West Yorkshire Police arrested four males aged 44, 21, 17 and 15 on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. All four have been released on bail while enquiries continue, according to LBC.
What The Law Says
Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal is an offence under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Following changes in the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, the most serious animal cruelty offences can now be tried in higher courts and carry maximum prison sentences of up to five years, per the Sentencing Council.
Hedgehogs Already Under Pressure
Prickly Pigs notes that hedgehog numbers in Britain have dropped sharply in recent decades, with an estimated decline of roughly 30 percent over 20 years. Volunteers say deliberate attacks like the one on Honey pile extra pressure on a species that is already vulnerable.
The image of Honey daubed in blue and yellow, which some people compared to Leeds United colours or the video game character Sonic, has sparked widespread online anger, as reported by ITV.
Appeal For Information
Police have asked anyone with information to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or via Live Chat, quoting reference 13260401913, according to LBC. The case has also attracted attention outside the UK, with coverage from U.S. outlet Atlanta News First.
