Warning after hedgehogs rescued from badminton nets

An animal welfare group is urging people to be aware of the dangers that garden netting can pose to wildlife.

Janet Peto at Hedgehog Welfare, based in Foston, recently rescued two hedgehogs that had become entangled in badminton nets that had been discarded on the ground.

She says that birds as well as hedgehogs have become trapped in both football land badminton nets causing fatal injuries and urged people to pack their nets and equipment away.

She said: "We have got a particular problem with children's badminton nets at the moment.

"We recently received three birds that had been caught in the netting when it was left up. One had to be put to sleep as both wings had been broken.

"We have also rescued a couple of hedgehogs which have been caught in the nets when they have been left on the ground.

"Both the hogs are doing fine but netting is always a problem on the ground for hedgehogs and we have lost several hedgehogs over the years after they've got stuck."

If you have found a sick hedgehog, please call Hedgehog Welfare on 07940 714830