West Sussex: Pet attacks the cause of 20% of wildlife hospital's cases

Hedgehogs are among the animals at risk of being attacked by household pets

A Sussex wildlife hospital said almost 20% of the animals it treated last year had injuries from pet attacks.

Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital near Chichester said: "The consequences of these encounters are not only grave but also preventable."

One of the 400 victims in 2023 was a hedgehog that sustained wounds to the top of its head following a dog attack.

The wildlife hospital is urging owners to keep dogs on leads and cats indoors at night.

A hospital spokesperson added: "Seemingly harmless pets can inadvertently become predators and disrupt the fragile ecosystems that sustain the rich biodiversity of our natural world."

Owners are being encouraged to put bells on collars, raise bird feeders, create safe nesting bird boxes and a "pet-free" area of their garden.

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