SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - There's a $3,000 reward to find the person who left nine hedgehogs in an Ocean Beach trash can Thursday.
The hedgehogs, now under the care of County Animal Services, were saved after an animal control officer responding to the call found several of the critters running loose inside the trash can, according to County News Center.
Upon inspection the officer noticed a bag moving and tore it open, revealing more of the animals.
In all 15 hedgehogs were retrieved. Unfortunately, five were dead, and one had to be euthanized due to its poor condition. The nine surviving hedgehogs appear to be doing well.
“Hedgehogs are very shy, timid creatures and for someone to tie them up in trash bags and throw them away is unconscionable,” County Animal Services Director Dan DeSousa said. “Someone needs to come forward with information so we can hold whoever did this cruel act accountable.”
The reward is being offered by San Diego Animal Advocates. If you have information, call County Animal Services at (619) 767-2740.
Hedgehogs are illegal to own in California, so the animals will not be offered for adoption. County Animal Services will try to place them with individuals who are permitted to possess them or transfer them out of state.
Anyone with information as to who may have dumped the hedgehogs is asked to call County Animal Services at 619-767-2740. Animal abandonment and felony animal cruelty charges may be filed.
