The dogwalker who found a hedgehog that had been tortured and left for dead has spoken out about the gruesome discovery.

James Daytona, who lives on the King’s Meadow estate in Holt, said he got the shock of his life when he came across the injured creature, whose spines had been cut short, its legs bound together, and its body spraypainted blue. 

The male hedgehog was found just before 8pm on Saturday (July 15) on a pathway next to Arkell Avenue in the town.

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North Norfolk News: The hedgehog that was found with its spines cut short, bound and spraypaintedThe hedgehog that was found with its spines cut short, bound and spraypainted (Image: James Daytona)

Mr Daytona, 23, who works in car sales, said: “I was walking my dog and he sniffed it out.

"The poor thing was screaming in pain - it had clearly been struggling. I called the Sheringham hedgehog sanctuary and they said it sounds quite bad so take it to the vet - I beelined it over to Fakenham. 

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“I spent Sunday with [RSPCA inspector] Ben Kirby around the estate helping to get some evidence.”

North Norfolk News: The hedgehog that was found with its spines cut short, bound and spraypaintedThe hedgehog that was found with its spines cut short, bound and spraypainted (Image: James Daytona)

Mr Daytona said that while the thought of someone torturing a defenceless animal was upsetting, the unity that had been shown in the community in response to the incident was encouraging.

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An appeal launched to fund a reward leading to the prosecution of those responsible has so far raised more than £600. It can be found at www.rb.gy/6d2cx.

North Norfolk News: James Daytona, who found the injured hedgehog on his estate in HoltJames Daytona, who found the injured hedgehog on his estate in Holt (Image: James Daytona)

Mr Kirby said it had been the “most callous incident” he had been called on to deal with in 16 years as an officer. 

He said: "If anyone saw anything suspicious in this area of Holt in recent days, we urge them to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018, and quote reference 01115237."

Anyone who knows anything can also report it to the police on 101, or via Crimestoppers.

North Norfolk News: The hedgehog which had been tortured in HoltThe hedgehog which had been tortured in Holt (Image: James Daytona)