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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/10/rspca-seeks-owner-of-african-pygmy-hedgehog-found-at-side-of-road
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| RSPCA seeks owner of African pygmy hedgehog found at side of road RSPCA seeks owner of African pygmy hedgehog found at side of road | |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| The RSPCA is hunting for the owner of an African pygmy hedgehog which was found on the side of a road. | The RSPCA is hunting for the owner of an African pygmy hedgehog which was found on the side of a road. |
| The unusual pet was spotted by a member of the public in Cardiff on the morning of 5 November. | The unusual pet was spotted by a member of the public in Cardiff on the morning of 5 November. |
| The hedgehog appeared to be frightened and was shaking. The RSPCA found it was very cold when they collected it. The animal is recovering following treatment by a vet. | The hedgehog appeared to be frightened and was shaking. The RSPCA found it was very cold when they collected it. The animal is recovering following treatment by a vet. |
| The RSPCA said pygmy hedgehogs look similar to the native European species found in the wild in the UK but are very different. They need to be kept at a specific temperature and would not cope in the wild in the British climate. | The RSPCA said pygmy hedgehogs look similar to the native European species found in the wild in the UK but are very different. They need to be kept at a specific temperature and would not cope in the wild in the British climate. |
| Animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson said: “We don’t know how this exotic pet ended up on the side of the road like this – but it is likely the hog escaped and has an owner out there who we are keen to find. An African pygmy hedgehog cannot survive in the wild here like our native hedgehogs and this little animal would have died if left where found.” | Animal collection officer Stephanie Davidson said: “We don’t know how this exotic pet ended up on the side of the road like this – but it is likely the hog escaped and has an owner out there who we are keen to find. An African pygmy hedgehog cannot survive in the wild here like our native hedgehogs and this little animal would have died if left where found.” |
| The RSPCA recommends that people do not keep African pygmy hedgehogs as pets as they can be more difficult to care for than many people realise. | The RSPCA recommends that people do not keep African pygmy hedgehogs as pets as they can be more difficult to care for than many people realise. |
| Nicola White, senior scientific officer for exotics and trade at the RSPCA, added: “We’re very concerned by claims that the African pygmy hedgehog is being classed as a latest pet craze. They have very specific needs … and require a heated enclosure with a carefully controlled temperature of between 24C (75F) to 30C (86F). | Nicola White, senior scientific officer for exotics and trade at the RSPCA, added: “We’re very concerned by claims that the African pygmy hedgehog is being classed as a latest pet craze. They have very specific needs … and require a heated enclosure with a carefully controlled temperature of between 24C (75F) to 30C (86F). |
| “These hedgehogs are nocturnal, travel long distances in the wild and anyone keeping one in captivity would need to allow for this natural behaviour, providing as large an enclosure and space as possible with plenty of hiding places and opportunity for digging, foraging and exercise. | “These hedgehogs are nocturnal, travel long distances in the wild and anyone keeping one in captivity would need to allow for this natural behaviour, providing as large an enclosure and space as possible with plenty of hiding places and opportunity for digging, foraging and exercise. |
| “African pygmy hedgehogs are not domesticated like cats or dogs – and the RSPCA would strongly advise against any member of the public considering getting one.” | “African pygmy hedgehogs are not domesticated like cats or dogs – and the RSPCA would strongly advise against any member of the public considering getting one.” |