A gang of youths attempted to throw a litter of baby hedgehogs onto a bonfire before stamping two of them to death in Lanarkshire last year.
Police are yet to track down the individuals behind the shocking incident, which took place in October and left only one of the animals alive.
Three hedgehogs were rescued by a member of the public, who disturbed the youths while they carried out the barbaric act.
However, one of these died on their way to Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
A second, named Sally, made it to the SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre, where it was revealed that she had intestinal problems. She passed away shortly afterwards.
April Dodds, assistant manager at the centre, said: ‘This was understandably a very distressing incident for both the hoglets involved and the member of public who witnessed it.
‘We are grateful to the passer-by for intervening and managing to save three of the hedgehogs.’
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The final hedgehog of the three, named Jack, recovered from the ordeal and was released after several weeks of care.
Ms Dodds added: ‘It’s always upsetting when an animal comes in to our care due to deliberate harm caused by humans but there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that animal recover and return to the wild where they belong against all odds.’
Gilly Mendes Ferreira, head of education, policy and research at the Scottish SPCA, said ‘many people don’t always recognise’ that concerning behaviour towards animals in young people can ‘act as an early indicator that something else may be wrong’.
She continued: ‘We hope that the young people involved in this incident speak to an appropriate adult who can give them the support they need and we would encourage any adult who is aware to refer them to our Animal Guardians programme if required for further support.’
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said it has not yet identified those responsible for the incident and is continuing to appeal for information.
‘Anyone who can assist is asked to contact police via 101,’ she said.
If someone finds an animal in distress, they can call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
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