Hedgehog dies 'slow and extremely painful death' after being spray-painted blue in cruel attempt to make it look like Sonic

The adult male was discovered by a farmer in a field behind Wakefield Police HQ at Carr Gate, where he was found suffering severe chemical burns across a large section of his back.

The paint had apparently been sprayed so close to the hedgehog's skin that it burned away several layers and caused some of his spines to melt and fall out.

The injured animal was rushed to Castleford Hedgehog Rescue at around 4pm on Tuesday, October 27.

Despite desperate efforts to save him, he died the following morning from his injuries.

Beth Campsill, 29, who runs the rescue centre, said it was the worst case of spray-paint cruelty she had encountered in her 16 years of caring for hedgehogs.

"When the hedgehog was brought to us he was screaming in pain," she said.

"I gave the poor thing the maximum pain relief I could, but he didn't stop, he effectively screamed himself to death.

"I don't know how anyone could be so cruel to an animal. It is disgusting.”

Beth believes the hedgehog died after suffering an infection caused by the chemical burns and may also have been poisoned by toxins contained in the paint.

She said some people who saw photographs of the animal online suggested that the substance could have been an antiseptic spray used to treat livestock.

However, Beth believes it was more likely to have been spray paint because of its thick texture and the extent of the burns it caused.

She said the hedgehog would probably have endured a slow and extremely painful death had the farmer not discovered him and taken him to the rescue centre.

"I'm glad he was brought in as it meant at least we could ease his suffering and make him feel comfortable," she said.

The rescue centre hopes the case will highlight the dangers of deliberately applying chemicals or paint to wildlife — and the suffering such acts can cause.