AN RSPCA inspector was left “disgusted” after a hedgehog was found tied to a tree by shoelaces used as a “makeshift crucifix”.

The animal welfare charity was alerted after a member of the public found the wild animal on Brynglas Avenue in the Pontllanfraith area of Blackwood yesterday.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "Shockingly, the male hedgehog was found with their belly facing outwards from the tree, constrained by shoe laces. His leg was bleeding, as was his mouth and nose, and sadly was left unable to curl up.

"It is feared the hedgehog would have suffered immeasurably as a consequence of being treated this way."

The spokeswoman said he underwent urgent assessment at an independent veterinary practice, and his progress is now being monitored closely.

RSPCA Cymru is urging anyone with information about how the hedgehog came to be constrained in this way to contact the charity’s inspectorate appeal line. It is suspected the hedgehog may have been tied up on Monday evening.

RSPCA Inspector Izzi Hignell said: “We have been left utterly disgusted by this shocking incident, with a poor hedgehog cruelly tied to a tree by a makeshift crucifix of shoelaces.

“This hedgehog will have suffered immeasurably by this horrendous ordeal, and was found with a series of injuries – including facial problems, and a bleeding nose, mouth and leg.

“Sadly, he was left unable to curl up and is now being monitored very closely after such an horrendous ordeal.

“Treating wild animals this way is barbaric and wholly unacceptable."

Anyone with information about how this incident may have happened is urged to contact the inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.