Hedgehogs need you to take responsibility

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Guernsey needs to take responsibility for the hedgehogs living in the island, according to the founder of the hedgehog rescue centre, particularly during a summer as hot and dry as this one.

In recent weeks the centre, the GSPCA and Animal Aid, have all had numerous calls about sick and ailing hedgehogs - often finding them extremely thin and dehydrated.

In just three hours on Friday evening, four hedgehogs arrived at the GSPCA in a bad way. The animal shelter currently has 134 in its care - and Dawn Robin from the rescue centre said some days the calls just come one after another. 

"It is the height of the breeding season at the moment and the poor females are just collapsing after giving birth because there is no water for them," Ms Robin said.

"Snails and slugs go deep under the ground when it is this hot and dry, so there is no food either."

Pictured: The Guernsey Hedgehog Rescue Centre is a registered charity in the island. 

Ms Robin said they had people bringing hedgehogs to the centre 'completely collapsed and dehydrated': "if there is any hog out in the day there is something wrong - they simply don't venture out unless their nest has been disturbed in some major gardening works."

Both Ms Robin and Steve Byrne, the manager at the GSPCA, urged people to consider putting out water for hedgehogs living in or around their gardens. Water in a shallow bowl could make a huge difference, and also stop the animals getting into difficult situations trying to find water in swimming pools or ponds. People can also consider putting out food for the hogs, such as meaty dog or cat food. 

Drinking sources are particularly sparse at the moment because of the heat, which has caused douits and streams to dry up. Offering something shallow is particularly key, as while hedgehogs can swim, they cannot climb out of something like a swimming pool.

Pictured: Putting out a shallow dish for hogs to drink out of can make a big difference. 

Ms Robin added that people often saw hedgehogs in difficult situations but did nothing about it. They now need to start taking responsibility, she said.

"Even at night, when they are expected to be out, going and taking a look to see if they are alright can really help.

"And if something does look like it is wrong, they can bring them to us and we will be able to help."

The Guernsey Hedgehog Rescue Centre is located near St Sampsons High School at Penrose Farm, and people can bring hogs in need to them throughout the day.

You can find contact details for Ms Robin here.