A hedgehog has been killed and spray painted red in a “deeply disturbing” act.
Police discovered the animal at a quarry in North Wales on Sunday.
They believe a gang of youths were behind the act, which they admit left officers shocked.
It is unknown when exactly the hedgehog was killed, but police have now launched an investigation into the incident, which happened in the village of Llanarmon yn Ial in Denbighshire, around 11 miles west of Wrexham.
One sign that may help identify the culprits is the red paint used - police say it is of an industrial nature and may therefore be difficult to wash off.
A spokesman for North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “At Stoddard Quarry, Llanarmon yn Ial, a disgusting act has taken place sometime over the last few days..
“Trespassing youths have killed a hedgehog and painted it red. The paint was ‘industrial’ and will be hard to remove off hands and clothes.
“Sadly our job involves seeing extremely unpleasant things. This is deeply disturbing and someone knows who did this.
“Any crime against a defenceless animal is unacceptable but this takes it to a level which saddens and shocks even us. Please let’s catch these individuals.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact North Wales Police by calling 101.
