Hedgehogs Dumped In Ocean Beach Trash Can

SAN DIEGO, CA – Nine hedgehogs were rescued Thursday from a trash can in Ocean Beach.

Now under the care of County Animal Services, the hedgehogs were saved after an animal control officer responding to a call found several of the spiny mammals loose inside the trash can, according to County News Center.

In all, the officer found 15 hedgehogs, including some in a sealed plastic garbage bag. Five of the animals were dead and one had to be euthanized due to its poor condition. The remaining nine hedgehogs are expected to survive.

The discovery was reported about 10:15 a.m. in the 4600 block of Voltaire Street, according to the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

It was unclear who discarded the hedgehogs, an act that could lead to criminal charges of animal abandonment and felony animal cruelty.

"Hedgehogs are very shy, timid creatures and for someone to tie them up in trash bags and throw them away is unconscionable," said County Animal Services Director Dan DeSousa. "Someone needs to come forward with information so we can hold whoever did this cruel act accountable."

It is illegal to own hedgehogs in California, so the animals will not be offered for adoption. County Animal Services will try to place the critters with people who are permitted to possess them or transfer them out of the state.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call County Animal Services at 619-767-2740.

City News Service contributed to this report.