Prickly Ball Farm and hedgehog hospital, Ogwell, has warned people to be careful when laying mouse and rat traps after a hedgehog was badly injured by one on Wednesday. 'People don't think that other animals could get hurt in these traps. Although they are not illegal, they could seriously injure animals that they are not intended for,' said Andrew Ward, general manager. The hedgehog, named Lucky after its escape from the Big Cheese branded trap, was found by Ada Alwin, of Abbotskerswell, near her home at Abbots Hill Park. 'I saw the trap first and then saw the poor hedgehog under a shrub,' said Mrs Alwin. 'I got my brother-in-law Fred Cox to come round and he freed the animal, but it obviously had hurt its leg. 'I called Prickly Ball and they were super and were here quickly. 'I really hope it makes a full recovery. These traps could be dangerous as cats or dogs or even children could get injured by them. I'll be going to visit the hedgehog in the next few days to see how it is getting on.' Lucky, between one-and-a-half and two years old, severely damaged its front right leg and was having anti-inflammatories administered to help the swelling. 'If it wasn't found by Mrs Alwin it would have died a slow death as these traps aren't sharp,' said Mr Ward. Prickly Ball currently cares for around 30 hedgehogs.
