A shocking video shows a group of yobs laughing before reportedly killing a hedgehog in a “vicious and sustained attack”.
The disturbing footage was captured on a doorbell camera in Seasalter, Whitstable, on July 4.
It shows four males walking down Cordingham Close, when one says: “Pick it up”.
There is more indecipherable conversation, before one shouts: “P**s on it.”
This is followed by jokey gasps, and the group then laugh as they continue down the road.
One witness reportedly ran outside to rescue the animal, described as large and healthy before the attack, and took it to Thorne Hedgehog Rescue in Pluckley.
Sadly, it died shortly after arriving.
The rescue is appealing for witnesses who might know those in the video.
In a public statement, a spokesperson said: “An autopsy showed that, as well as broken spines to the top of her head, she had suffered severe bruising and bleeding in her brain, ear canals, left side ribs, left side lung and left side muscles.
“She suffered a partial liver lobe tear and a tear in her abdominal wall.
“Her cause of death was blood loss into her abdominal cavity from the liver tear and was determined to be a result of traumatic impact injuries.
“The incident was reported to the police, who identified CCTV that captured the moments just before the attack and subsequently canvassed the area.
“As the images were of poor quality and no suspects could be identified from them, no further action has been taken.”
Given the footage is blurry, the Thorne Hedgehog team hopes someone might recognise one of the people from their voice, or have further information about the incident.
It added: “This was a vicious and sustained attack that resulted in immense pain and suffering for this animal before she died, and someone must know who these boys or men are.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thorne Hedgehog Rescue or Kent Police on 101.
