A hedgehog was allegedly stabbed and kicked to death at a Motherwell high school yesterday.
The shocking incident is said to have been carried out by a pupil at Brannock High School in Newarthill as police and North Lanarkshire Council investigate.
Local animal group Motherwell District Wildlife Protection claim the small mammal was stabbed through its eye and body as it “suffered terribly”.
They rushed the female hedgehog to a nearby vet after receiving the distressing call at 1.30pm.
Unfortunately, the animal was unable to survive its alleged ordeal which reportedly also involved being kicked around.
The campaigners told Lanarkshire Live: “Motherwell District Wildlife Protection were called to Brannock High School around 1.30pm to take a look at a hedgehog that had been attacked by some pupils.
“The hog was just alive when we got there so we took it to Brannock vet. They confirmed the hog had been stabbed through the eye and on its body, it had also been kicked about.
“We have been called to a number of cases where hedgehogs had been victims of cruelty but never stabbed.
"The police are involved and we had a number of messages from distressed pupils who saw what went on.”
The group shared a picture of the injured animal shortly after they were called to its rescue, saying: “Just picked this wee hedgehog up from a local high school where kids thought it would be a good idea to kick it about and stab.
"It's now in a local vet.”
They later added: “The hedgehog has died at the vets. They are taking pictures and documenting its injuries.
“The poor thing suffered terribly.”
Police and North Lanarkshire Council are currently investigating the incident.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We have received a report of an injured hedgehog being found at Brannock High School on Tuesday, 18 May.
“Enquiries into the incident are at an early stage."
A council spokesperson added: “We are aware of an alleged incident at the school and will be carrying out an investigation in order to determine the full facts.”
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
