UK police appeal for information after hedgehog 'set alight'
The rural affairs team was alerted to Ham Woods on July 31, where they discovered a dead hedgehog that was "identified to have suffered injuries consistent with being set alight."
The police released a statement on the incidents last week with a spokesperson for the department saying: "The actions believed to have taken place during this offence will not be tolerated."
"Those identified to be responsible will be dealt with robustly."
The rural affairs team have confirmed that they will be conducting high visibility patrols around the area as they continue to investigate into the matter.
The force has described the offence as "causing unnecessary suffering to an animal."
Devon & Cornwall Police are asking members of the public to contact them if they witnessed the incident or have any information regarding the incident that could assist with the investigation.
The UK public are being reminded that all British wild mammals are protected from deliberate acts of cruelty under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996.
The police and rural affairs team often collaborate with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to aid prosecution of animal and bird offences.
Lethal control of wild animals is only permitted under a general licence. Farmers are advised to contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for advice on dealing with 'pest' species.
The police also issued a reminder to the public that those caught causing unnecessary suffering to animals will face penalties.
Anyone who has witnessed mistreatment of animals can contact the Animal and Plant Health Association (APHA) or the local authorities.
Wildlife crime includes activities such as poaching, coursing, offences against badgers and bats, offences against birds and their eggs, animal cruelty, hunting with dogs, killing or damaging a protected species, illegal fishing, and more.
In addition to this, hitting a wild animal deliberately with a vehicle is an offence under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act.
Activities that are still illegal but not considered wildlife crime include livestock worrying, livestock theft, hunting, animal cruelty, dogs being out of control in public places, being in possession of banned dogs, and dog theft.
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