Hedgehog hunters in the Cuxhaven district: Police catch animal abusers!

Hedgehog hunters in the Cuxhaven district: Police catch animal abusers!

In the quiet east of the Cuxhaven district, a strange and disturbing story has caused a stir. Two men, aged 49 and 50, were caught red-handed by police while holding hedgehogs captive. True to the motto “What’s going on here?” This event raises questions about animal protection and the respectful treatment of nature.

The police, who took action based on information from witnesses, carried out a check on Ostedeich. The officers found two trapped hedgehogs in a van from Bremerhaven. Another hedgehog was thrown away by one of the men just before the inspection - a worrying indication of the two men's intentions. After the investigation, they are now accused of violating the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Animal Welfare Act, as hedgehogs are under special protection in Germany.

There are severe consequences

The two hedgehog hunters face severe punishments. If convicted, they can face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50,000 euros. Police spokesman Stephan Hertz has already announced that the investigation is continuing. Interestingly, there have been repeated references to possible hedgehog hunters over the last twelve months, and investigations are now underway to determine whether these two men are actually responsible.

What you shouldn't lose sight of: There is a suspicion that hedgehogs are considered a delicacy in some cultures. However, experts strongly warn against eating hedgehogs as they are often infected with parasites that can reside in the lungs and intestines. Stefanie Röse from the hedgehog care department in the Cuxhaven district expressed concern about the animal welfare situation and emphasized how important it is to protect these animals, especially because the hedgehog population in Lower Saxony is already declining. NABU is also actively committed to the preservation of hedgehogs and points out the great responsibility we bear towards these small animals.

An appeal to the general public

The situation raises a fundamental question: How do we deal with our natural cohabitants in our everyday lives? The hedgehogs are not only important for the ecosystem, but also the scene of morals and ethics when dealing with animals. Everyone is encouraged to be aware of cold weather and dangers to hedgehogs and to treat them with respect.

In addition, hedgehog care is acutely aware of how important it is to raise public awareness of this issue. We should all strive to protect hedgehogs and promote their numbers rather than acting out our prejudices about them. With a good hand we can make a difference!

For more information and an in-depth discussion about the protection of hedgehogs and the further development of this story, it remains exciting to see what the next time will bring. At the moment all we can do is wait and hope for a rethink.

Provides the basis for reporting NDR, while hedgehog care is supported through initiatives such as HEDGEHOG is increasingly supported.