Police investigating after hedgehog found taped to lamppost
Local resident took to social media to share concerns about the incident
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police are investigating after a hedgehog was found taped to a lamppost.
Laura Hughes came across the hedgehog in Drayton in Oxfordshire on the afternoon of Friday 26 August.
The mum of two was with her nine-year-old at the time who was at eye level with the animal as they made the shocking discovery.
Taking to social media to share her concerns, Ms Hughes posted: "Whoever has done this to a hedgehog along the Abingdon Road should be utterly ashamed.
Plans to raise maximum jail sentence for animal cruelty to five years
Dog cruelty on the rise since Covid pandemic as RSPCA gets 10 reports of abuse an hour
Kurt Zouma: Premier League footballer ordered to carry out community service for kicking cat
Hedgehog super highways plan rejected by council over planning ‘burden’
"I think it’s important that this behaviour is called out and made public, but I appreciate it’s a horrible photo.
"It was particularly horrible in person too, especially for my nine-year-old who was at eye level with it."
Ms Hughes has reported the incident to Thames Valley Police and described the situation as “worrying”.
She said: "The RSPCA website stated that wild animal issues should be referred to local charities, and obviously there was nothing that could be done for the hedgehog so that went nowhere.
"My concern is that animal cruelty is known to lead to other serious offences.
"While I doubt the person responsible for this will be found, it may be helpful to the police if there is a pattern of behaviour going on.
"There were some horses injured nearby the same night, it’s very worrying."
The hedgehog later died.