Three hedgehogs believed to have been killed by a cruel yob have been found dead in a carrier bag in the woods.
The animals were found on a footpath in Corby, in Northamptonshire, by a passerby.
One had a puncture wound to the head and another had an injury to its mouth, as reported by Need to Know.
READ MORE: Rare whale washes up on popular Brit staycation beach
RSPCA animal rescue officer Rebecca Frost went to collect the hedgehogs last Thursday (7 Aug) and said they were covered in blood.
“The circumstances in which these hedgehogs were found is suspicious – all three had blood around their mouth and face area – but otherwise appeared to be in good health prior to their death,” Rebecca said.
“We are concerned as to how these hedgehogs came to die.
“And we are appealing for anyone who may have any information which can help our investigation to contact the RSPCA Inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018 and quote incident number 1598848.”
The incident comes as the animal welfare charity released startling new statistics as part of its Summer Cruelty Campaign showing that animal cruelty is at its peak.
In June, July and August last year across England and Wales the RSPCA took 34,401 cruelty calls to their emergency line – compared to 25,887 the year before – showing an increase by a third.
On average it took 374 reports of cruelty against animals every single day during this period or one call every two minutes the line was open.
READ MORE: Rescuers hike miles in dangerous wilderness to bring injured walker to safety
Three hedgehogs found dead in carrier bag in the woods. (Picture: Jam Press)
Three hedgehogs found dead in carrier bag in the woods. (Picture: Jam Press)
Three hedgehogs found dead in carrier bag in the woods. (Picture: Jam Press)
