Animal Abuser Locked Up for Mutilating Hedgehog in Gruesome Attack
Richard Coyle, a drifter with no fixed address, faced justice at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 3 November. He denied two shocking animal cruelty charges – but the evidence spoke volumes.
Horrific Hedgehog Torture Shocks Community
Back in August 2019, in Blackwood’s Highfield Way, Coyle brutally tortured a helpless hedgehog. Charges say he cut off the poor creature’s legs, burned it, and even poured molten candle wax over its head and eyes.
Weapons of Cruelty Found on Scene
Police seized chilling items linked to the attack from Coyle’s tent: black-handled scissors, candles, a jump lead, and a kitchen knife. The hedgehog was found alive but gravely injured.
Maximum Sentence for Monstrous Abuse
The District Judge showed no mercy, sentencing Coyle to 26 weeks in jail – the maximum term. He’s also banned from keeping animals for 10 years and must pay a £122 victim surcharge.
RSPCA Inspector Speaks Out
“When police arrived, there was an unbearable stench of burning flesh and hair coming from the tent,” said RSPCA inspector Simon Evans. “They first thought the hedgehog was dead, but it was alive and rushed to a vet. Sadly, it had to be put down to end its suffering.”
“The poor animal had both hind legs completely severed, the left front leg missing, and the right front leg barely hanging on. Its head was covered in candle wax, and the spines around its head were burned.”
“This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have ever seen. The fact the hedgehog suffered so much and was still alive is horrifying.”
