Hedgehog trapped in Horsham garden saved by RSPCA

He was discovered on Friday morning trapped in the metal bird feeder which was lying on the ground in a garden in Pondtail Road, Horsham.

RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley, who went to help the stricken animal, said: “The poor little hog had pushed his way right into the middle of a long, metal-wire feeder and found himself stuck in the narrow tube, his spines wedging him in.

“The caller had spotted him that morning but wasn’t sure how long he’d been there for.

“Thankfully, I managed to cut the wire, remove a section of the feeder and peel it back so I could carefully free the hedgehog. I checked him over for any injuries but was pleased that he didn’t seem too worse for wear.”

Tony decided to release the hedgehog in situ so he could make his way back to his home. He urged people to keep an eye on all wildlife feeders in their gardens to make sure animals and birds do not get stuck or injured.

The charity’s officers are often called out to squirrels who get themselves stuck in feeders - and have also been called to help birds and other rodents who have got trapped.

Tony added: “I would urge people who use feeders to check them regularly to look out for any trapped wildlife and to remove them if you’re going away and can’t monitor them daily.”

THE RSPCA says people should not try to free animals themselves if they find them trapped in bird feeders.

Instead, it says, people should monitor the situation at a distance and call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999 if necessary.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals and maintain animal hospitals and centres during the coronavius crisis, people can donate at www.rspca.org.uk/covid.

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