A MYSTERY illness which has killed dozens of hedgehogs in a North-East village has baffled animal lovers.

Brenda Angus says at least 24 of the prickly creatures have fallen ill and died in the past month at the haven she runs from her home in Woodham, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

She is concerned that the creatures, which are being found in and around a wooded area, have been exposed to some form of poison, possibly laid down for rats.

The hedgehogs, which have been brought to her by concerned residents, have all shown the same symptoms.

They want to eat and drink, but are unable to do so, and after a few days they begin haemorraging, before dying.

Mrs Angus, 50, said: "These poor creatures are dying a horrific death and I just cannot fathom out what is going wrong.

"Since April, I have seen at least two dozen hedgehogs die, and if we cannot get to the bottom of this soon the entire population in that area will be wiped out."

Mrs Angus has been able to save a few of the hedgehogs, by taking them to vets, who have provided a poison antidote.

"I have heard that there has been a rat infestation in the area and I just wonder whether it is this that is killing the hedgehogs," said Mrs Angus.

"One thing is for sure, I am not going to release any more in the area until we find out what is killing them."

Eric Beevers, an environmental health officer at Sedgefield Borough Council, said that the council does not put rat poison outdoors for such a reason.

"It is something we do not do, but we have suggested that Mrs Angus gets an autopsy done on one of the creatures to find out what is wrong."

Mrs Angus, who says her winter budget has already been stretched to breaking point by the hedgehog deaths, is now planning to have a post-mortem examination carried out on one of the dead animals.

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