UPDATE 24 November 2023

After waiting over 5 weeks, the government has finally responded. No surprises here. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/643081

 

 

 

The government's response to the hedgehog petition, while acknowledging the decline of the species and expressing concern, falls short in addressing the urgency and severity of the situation. While the government highlights existing legislation and initiatives aimed at habitat restoration, it fails to provide a compelling argument against the proposed addition of hedgehogs to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

One of the key weaknesses of the government's response lies in its dismissal of the potential effectiveness of Schedule 5 protection. The government asserts that the decline in hedgehog numbers is primarily driven by habitat loss and fragmentation, implying that additional legal protection would be ineffective. However, this argument overlooks the broader context of hedgehog conservation.

Hedgehogs face a range of threats beyond habitat loss, including road mortality, pesticide use, housing, commercial and industrial developments as well as intentional or reckless killing. While habitat restoration is undoubtedly crucial, it alone cannot address these additional threats. Schedule 5 protection would not only deter intentional harm but also enhance the enforcement of existing regulations against hedgehog-unfriendly practices.

Furthermore, the government's emphasis on habitat restoration through initiatives like Biodiversity Net Gain and agri-environment schemes, while commendable, fails to acknowledge the time lag associated with these measures. Habitat restoration is a long-term process, and hedgehogs require immediate protection to prevent further decline while these efforts take effect. Hedgehogs can’t wait until 2042.

The government's response also downplays the significance of individual actions in hedgehog conservation. While the provided advice on creating hedgehog-friendly gardens is helpful, it underestimates the potential impact of collective action. A more comprehensive public awareness campaign, coupled with incentives for hedgehog-friendly practices,could significantly enhance the effectiveness of individual efforts.

In conclusion, the government's response to the hedgehog petition, while acknowledging the decline of the species, fails to adequately address the urgency of the situation. Its dismissal of Schedule 5 protection and its focus on long-term habitat restoration measures overlook the immediate threats and the potential power of individual action. A more comprehensive and proactive approach is necessary to safeguard the future of hedgehogs.

What we need to see now is a parliamentary debate but with less than 16,000 signatures and more than 84,000 signatures still needed we have a tough road ahead of us. If you haven’t signed or shared this petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/643081please do before the closing date 29 February 2024. 

Hedgehogs need heroes.

Please be one today.

Many thanks, pricklypals

Maggie Wilcox
 

 
  
 Update 8 November 2023: my other hedgehog petition to the UK government https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/643081 has been waiting for a response for 21 days. Why the delay ? Many of you have signed this but if you haven’t your support will make a huge difference as numbers speak volumes. If we can get 100,000 signatures before the 29 February 2024 closing date then we’ll have the opportunity to see whether my MP and yours are willing to not just to talk the talk but also walk the walk in a parliamentary debate.

A final note: no support from wildlife conservation organisations/charities is troubling as well as the lack of media coverage. 

Update: on 25 September 2023 a group of youths in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/23815051.hedgehog-dies-animal-cruelty-bury-st-edmunds/ kick a hedgehog to death. No arrests.

In response to e-petition 550379 in 2020 started by the British Hedgehog Society, the government stated ‘we have no evidence that intentionally killing, taking or injuring a hedgehog is currently an issue.’

How about now ?

Update: Another horrific attack, this time in Ashington, Northumberland on 19 September 2023 at 8:15 am. The victim, a tiny hedgehog, died after being kicked by 4 teenagers, three of whom were wearing school uniforms. https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2023-09-25/baby-hedgehog-dies-after-being-kicked-by-teenage-boys 

 

 

 

Photo:RSPCA

 

Anyone with information about this wildlife crime please contact the RSPCA’s appeal line 0300 123 8018 quoting reference number 1156121.

 

In July 2023, a horrifying wildlife crime occurred in my former home of Holt, Norfolk. A defenseless hedgehog was brutally mutilated and tortured, leaving him with no chance of survival. This heartbreaking event deeply affected the community and highlighted the urgent need for stronger legal protection for these incredible creatures. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12328531/Hunt-barbaric-torturers-tied-legs-helpless-hedgehog-cut-spines-spray-painted-blue.html

 

 

 

Photo: RSPCA

For over 11 years, I have dedicated myself to supporting and rescuing hedgehogs in my Norfolk garden. Sadly, I have read about many other cases of hedgehogs being killed or injured, including intentional acts of cruelty. It is devastating to see these innocent animals suffer due to human actions.

Hedgehogs are currently listed as vulnerable on Natural England's IUCN-compliant red list. They face numerous threats such as habitat destruction, road accidents, and predation. However, intentional and reckless killing also poses a significant danger to their survival. 

 

The RSPCA found that incidents of abuse, including beating, improper killing, mutilation, and neglect increased from 2011-15 and 2016-20. 

These gentle creatures deserve better protection against harm inflicted upon them by individuals who disregard their welfare.

By adding hedgehogs to Schedule 5 , we can provide them with additional legal safeguards that reflect their vulnerable status and declining population. 
Enhanced legal protection would not only deter potential offenders but also raise awareness about the importance of conserving this iconic species. It would send a clear message that harming or disturbing these animals will not be tolerated in our society.

We urge the UK to prioritize the inclusion of hedgehogs on Schedule 5 without delay. Let us come together as compassionate individuals who recognize the value of every living creature and take decisive action to protect hedgehogs from decline and harm.

Sign this petition today and help ensure a future for hedgehogs. Together, we can make a difference and safeguard these enchanting creatures for generations to come.

I also have another petition on the UK Government and Parliament Petition website which legally requires the government to respond once that petition reaches 10,000 signatures. 100,000 signatures would result in a parliamentary debate. Please sign and share this petition as well. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/643081

Thank you for your support.

Maggie Wilcox