Pygmy hedgehog found abandoned in cage

A pygmy hedgehog has been found in a box within a cage in an Edinburgh garden.

Nawari was found in a box within a cage. Picture: Scottish SPCA

The Scottish SPCA was alerted after a member of the public found the animal in the communal garden of South Clerk Street in the Newington area of Edinburgh.

The hedgehog is now in the care of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centre in Balerno, where staff have named her Nawari.

Animal rescue officer Stephanie Grant said: “Pygmy hedgehogs can legally be kept as pets in the UK.

The cage Nawari was found in. Picture: Scottish SPCA

“These animals are becoming increasingly popular as household pets but some people may not realise the specialist care they need. We think this could be why Nawari has been abandoned.”

“Nawari was thin when we found her but she has been eating well since then and we will be looking to rehome her to a new owner that will give her the love and care she deserves.

“We are asking anyone with any information to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Abandoning an animal is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life.