Sickened by such cruelty

We were sickened to read in the Mail about the hedgehog found impaled on a curtain pole in Telford, Shropshire (Weird World, November 15).

We struggle to see how this could have been accidental.

The pain and fear this poor animal must have gone through, probably at the hands of sick thugs, is unimaginable.

Animal cruelty is often associated with people who have done poorly in school, have low self-esteem and few friends.

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Many studies in psychology, sociology and criminology during the last 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty.

Research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of violent crime, including child abuse, spouse abuse and murder.

We hope these people are found and have the fullest, most severe punishment possible for carrying out such a cowardly and despicable attack.

For those inclined to help hedgehogs, please see our website, www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk, for lots of advice and news.

Fay Vass,

Chief Executive,

British Hedgehog Preservation Society,

Hedgehog House,

Dhustone,

Ludlow.

SY8 3PL