'Horrific and callous act': Two hedgehogs die after being deliberately burned alive in Daventry

Two hedgehogs died after being deliberately burned alive on a residential path in Northamptonshire, described by the RSPCA as a 'horrific and callous act'.

The animals were found side by side with obvious burn marks on their backs by a member of the public on a path in Dee Walk, off The Cherwell, in Daventry on Wednesday, April 8.

One died on the way to the vets and the other was treated throughout the night but also died from her injuries.

RSPCA animal collections officer Rebecca Frost said: “The poor hedgehogs were still alive when I attended the scene and we think they may have been left suffering since the night before.

“A neighbour reported smelling smoke at 11pm on Tuesday but could not see where it was coming from so we suspect it was from the poor hedgehogs.

“It seems both have been placed together and deliberately doused in some accelerant before they were deliberately set on fire in what can only be described as a horrific and callous act.

“The poor animals were left in an awful state and must have been in a lot of pain from the injuries for several hours until they were found.

"They had identical injuries with burns on their back and the vet also believes this was a deliberate attack.

“I am very keen to find the person responsible and am appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area the night before or who knows who has done this to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.”