Animal charity caring for 100 hedgehogs makes food donation plea

An animal welfare charity caring for more than 100 hedgehogs has launched an appeal for food donations.

The animals are currently in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre based in Clackmannanshire.

The appeal comes after the charity announced it had cared for almost 700 hedgehogs from May to August this year.

April Dodds, assistant manager at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, said: “We still have over 100 hedgehogs in our care.

“It is a concern as we need to get them to a healthy weight to be released back in to the wild before colder weather arrives and they need to go in to hibernation.

“If they don’t reach a suitable weight to be released before winter then they will have to stay with us until the spring or a mild spell.

“Some hedgehogs are brought in as they’ve been spotted during the day. This isn’t always an issue so some do come to us unnecessarily.

“A healthy hedgehog should be quite round and full so if it looks a bit deflated and underweight then please call us.

“If a hog is shaky, this can mean they are dehydrated so always call us in this circumstance and if you can offer them water in a flat dish before we arrive.

“Believe it or not, hedgehogs can be fussy eaters so having a few food options is ideal to make sure our hogs are happy. When they find what they like, they gobble it right up!

“Wet cat or dog food that is not fish based, Brambles hedgehog food, Spikes meaty feast hedgehog food and Spikes semi-moist hedgehog food would suit our hogs best.

“We would appreciate any donations people can spare. These can be dropped in the donation bin outside the centre or gifted through our Amazon wishlist.”

Donations can be handed in to the centre located at Fishcross, FK10 3AN. People can also donate through the Amazon wishlist here or any other retailer offering delivery.