I started this petition last year after the torture & mutilation of a hedgehog in my former home town, Holt in North Norfolk. The police had no leads & the investigation closed without any prosecutions.

Here we are again, this time in Castleford, West Yorkshire. Three hedgehogs kicked to death and another seriously injured by person or persons unknown. Someone in the community has information about these abhorrent wildlife crimes and I am always hopeful that someone will step forward. I am also angry, sad and frustrated that these acts of violence against defenceless animals will be replicated across the UK every week.

We need to keep up the pressure on which every party forms the next government. If you attend local hustings or have a candidate knock on your door, ask what they would do to tackle wildlife crime in your area and whether they would support the addition of hedgehogs to Schedule 5.

Thank you once again, pricklypals, for standing up for hedgehogs. Please continue to share the petition.

I live in hope that hedgehogs get the legal protection they deserve.

Maggie