Can you keep wild hedgehogs as pets?

Can you keep wild hedgehogs as pets?

Strictly speaking, you should never keep a wild hedgehog as a pet. Hedgehogs have particular needs that cannot be replicated easily in captivity. There is only one species of hedgehog that is widely regarded to be a domestic pet; The African Pygmy.

Is it illegal to keep a wild hedgehog in the UK?

A wild hedgehog is not a pet There are laws in this country protecting wildlife. They are covered by the Animal Welfare Act and if you pick up any animal you are responsible for it and must provide appropriate care.

What legislation protect hedgehogs?

Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996) – It illegal to treat a hedgehog cruelly. The NERC Act – Lists hedgehogs as a species of ‘principal importance’ which public bodies have a duty of responsibility’ to protect.

Are hedgehogs legally protected?

The hedgehog is legally protected from trapping or intentional harm, but none of the legislation deals with the drivers of the decline. Hedgehog Street is the only national conservation project and focuses on making gardens hedgehog-friendly.

What do you do if you have a hedgehog in your garden?

Generally, any hedgehog out during the day is probably in trouble and will need to be picked up and taken to a wildlife rescue centre. You can pick them up using gardening gloves and put them into a cardboard box, although they are good climbers, so you would need to ensure it cannot escape.

Is it cruel to keep a hedgehog in your garden?

It is very cruel to keep a healthy hedgehog in one garden. They need to wander about one mile per night, especially in the mating season. Hedgehogs should never be released into the wild in autumn unless they weigh more than 1 lb (450gms).

Are there any laws about European hedgehogs?

No such restrictions exist in most European countries. Spain: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets. African Pygmy hedgehogs may legally be kept as pets. Finland: European hedgehogs are protected and cannot be kept as pets.

Is it illegal to disturb a hedgehog nest?

Hedgehogs and the Law It is illegal to capture or trap a hedgehog. Cruelly ill-treat a hedgehog. Intentionally or recklessly damage or destroy a hedgehog nest or obstruct access to it.

What are the signs of hedgehogs in your garden?

How to Tell if You Have a Hedgehog in Your Garden

• Footprints. Hedgehogs weigh around 1kg but they don’t leave footprints unless the ground is very soft.
• Droppings. Hedgehog droppings are a sure fire sign you have hedgehogs in your garden.
• Disturbed Foliage.
• Noise.
• Install a Camera.

Is it legal to kill hedgehogs in the UK?

Hedgehogs do have some degree of legal protection in the UK. they are listed on schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which makes it illegal to kill or capture wild hedgehogs, with certain methods listed they are also listed under the Wild Mammals Protection Act (1996),…

Should I publicise hedgehog-friendly features?

Publicising hedgehog-friendly features in your development can be highly beneficial. 2 Hedgehogs and the law Hedgehogs are protected by British law under Schedule 6 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to kill or capture them using certain methods.

Are hedgehogs a material consideration for local planning authorities?

These laws make hedgehogs a material consideration for Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) during the planning process. Developments should also be consistent with Local Plans (LPs) and Neighbourhood Area Plans (NAPs), some of which may explicitly refer to

When does wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 come into force?

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 25 August 2019.