Hedgehog dies from chemical burns after being spray-painted blue

A male hedgehog has died after being spray-painted blue in an act of cruelty in West Yorkshire, UK. The animal was discovered by a farmer in a field behind the Wakefield police station.

According to Beth Campbell of Castleford Hedgehog Rescue, the spray paint caused extensive chemical burns that melted several layers of the animal's skin and spines. The hedgehog was brought to the rescue center on October 27 for treatment, but died the following morning. Campbell reported that the animal suffered extreme pain, stating it effectively “screamed himself to death.”

The cause of death is attributed to infections resulting from the chemical burns and potential poisoning from the paint toxins. The animal was also suffering from flystrike, a condition where flies lay eggs in open wounds.