The founder of a hedgehog sanctuary has highlighted an alarming recent rise in cruelty towards the endangered species in Keighley.

Recently a year-old hedgehog was brought into Crystal Sanctuary Yorkshire Wildlife Rescue after someone had speared it with a metal pole.

Marianne Crowley, who runs the sanctuary from her home in Prospect Mount, said: “We battled through the night to try to save it but in the end we couldn’t.

“I don’t think people actually realise that it is illegal to harm a hedgehog — last May they were put on the endangered species list under the Animal Cruelty Act.

“In another cruelty case, someone saw a group of boys kicking a hedgehog to death.

“I just don’t know what goes on in these people’s heads, it is disgusting. I would like to send an open invitation to the people that do this sort of thing to spend 24 hours with us, see what we do, how much it costs to look after a hedgehog and then see what they think of purposefully injuring one afterwards.”

It costs Ms Crowley up to £100 to look after one hedgehog. Currently she is looking after 37 but the sanctuary has been known to care for up 90 at once.

The sanctuary is currently looking for 3-4 acres of land in the area to buy or rent for a bigger rescue centre for all animals. If anyone can help, call Marianne on 01535 674672.