‘Sick Hedgy’ was also thrown down a slide by the schoolgirls who are thought to be year 7 pupils
15:46, 20 May 2026Updated 16:04, 20 May 2026
The hedgehog, later named Hedgy, was found at Greenhill Community Hub in Skelmersdale
A hedgehog rescued after an alleged attack by three schoolgirls at a Skelmersdale park has sadly died, an animal rescue volunteer said. Kelly Leyland, from Haydock Hedgehog Helpers Rescue, said the animal was found alive beneath soil in a plant pot after being “thrown around like a toy” by three girls believed to be aged 11 or 12.
The hedgehog, later named Hedgy, was found at Greenhill Community Hub in Skelmersdale on Monday, May 18. Kelly claimed the girls had been seen throwing the animal down a slide, tossing it into the air and dropping it onto the ground before burying it alive.
In a Facebook post shared on Monday evening, she said: “I’m absolutely disgusted to introduce one of today’s admissions, as he has been attacked by kids.
“In the park at Greenhill Community Hub (Skelmersdale) three girls around 10-12 years old were observed throwing the hedgehog down the slide and also throwing him up in the air dropping to the floor, before deciding to bury him alive.”
Kelly said the hedgehog appeared to already be unwell before the alleged attack, claiming it had a low body temperature and signs of flystrike near its tail.
She wrote: “What breaks my heart even more is that judging by his body temperature and the fact he has flystrike near his tail, it indicates to me that Hedgy was out during the day because he was feeling unwell.
“Instead of finding kind humans to help him, he was instead thrown around like a toy.”
The rescue volunteer praised two young boys who stepped in to help after witnessing some of the alleged cruelty.
She said one boy alerted his friend because he knew the child’s mum would help. The pair then rushed to the park and found the hedgehog “still breathing under the soil in a plant pot” after the girls had run away.
Kelly added: “I’m extremely grateful to the boys involved in getting Hedgy to safety and help.”
The hedgehog was placed on pain relief and monitored overnight before being taken for veterinary treatment. However, in a video posted on Tuesday evening, Kelly confirmed the animal had died.
She said: “Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. His body has been sent off to the vets, who are going to do a report. They’re going to keep hold of his body in case the RSPCA want to examine it.”
Kelly also claimed she had since received messages naming possible suspects, but said she would only pass information to police.
She added: “We know that they’re in year seven, and we know which high school they go to.
“It’s taken so much of my energy today; it’s really draining and it’s also taking away from me caring for the other hedgehogs. I’m angry and I’m confused by the motivation of these girls.”
Hedgehogs are listed as vulnerable to extinction in the UK, with conservation groups reporting significant population declines in recent years.
Lancashire Police has confirmed an investigation is ongoing following reports of the attack.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Our South Rural Task Force are investigating the incident and if anyone has any information about what happened, please contact South Rural Task Force at SouthRTF@lancashire.police.uk or 253@lancashire.co.uk.”