Devon residents urged to help hedgehogs as wildlife rescues peak this summer

The RSPCA is urging people across Devon to step up and help hedgehogs, the wild animals most in need this summer, as wildlife rescues reach their busiest time of the year. 

With hundreds of sick or injured creatures arriving at centres in the warmer months, the charity says public support can make a life-saving difference.

New research from the RSPCA’s 2025 Animal Kindness Index reveals that 51 per cent of people in the South West do not feel confident about what to do if they find a sick or injured wild animal. 

To tackle this, the charity has launched a “Local Animal Hero” campaign, including a training video featuring Animal Rescue Officer Emma Baker, designed to teach people how to safely assist small wildlife and pets in their communities.

WATCH NOW: Learn to make an RSPCA rescue box

Hedgehogs were the wild animals most likely to need help across England and Wales last year, with 9,546 admitted to RSPCA centres in 2024. 

They were followed by wood pigeons (6,521), mallard ducks (3,806), feral pigeons (2,909) and blackbirds (1,782).

The RSPCA said many people are unaware that the quickest way to get help for small animals is often to take them straight to a local vet.

Dr Mya-Rose Craig, ornithologist and RSPCA supporter, encouraged Devon residents to learn how they can help wildlife in their area.

She said: “The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index shows that while many people in the South West want to do their bit, many would struggle to know what to do if they came across an animal in need.

“By learning to become a Local Animal Hero, anyone can find out what to do if they find a sick or injured animal who needs help. Learning how to safely handle small wildlife or pets and building a rescue box to keep in your car can make a big difference for animals.

“No matter where in the country you are, there are so many different animals that share our environment, and it’s up to us to help make sure that they are living their best lives this summer too. By doing a kind act this summer, we can all help to create a better world for every animal.”

Last year, more than 10,000 animals were admitted to the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres, with more than a quarter of those admissions occurring in June and July alone. 

These admissions were often due to animals being orphaned, injured, attacked by other animals or involved in collisions with vehicles.

The summer months also see the busiest period for the RSPCA’s cruelty and neglect calls. The charity said that public help during this time allows its frontline officers to focus on even more urgent cases.

Sixty-one per cent of people in the South West said protecting wildlife is the most important issue the animal welfare charity should be focusing on, while over nine in ten agreed that wildlife needs protection in towns and cities as well as in the countryside.

Gemma Hope, RSPCA Assistant Director for Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said: “This year’s Animal Kindness Index shows high levels of concern for the future of wildlife.

“When the world is uncertain and volatile, people may feel protective over the world around them, including the animals that share their neighbourhood, and 79 per cent of people in the region thought that human survival depends on protecting the survival of wildlife.”

The RSPCA also voiced concern about the UK Government’s proposed planning reforms under the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. 

The charity warned that the changes could weaken environmental protections and lead to habitat destruction.

Ms Hope added: “While the UK Government claims it will streamline development and enhance nature, we are worried it could potentially weaken environmental protections and lead to habitat destruction, and it is clearly a cause for concern, given more than half, 64 per cent, of those surveyed in the South West think the UK Government should be responsible for animal welfare.

“The RSPCA is committed to creating a kinder world for every animal, but we can’t do it without help from the public, so we really hope our new video inspires people to get involved and become Local Animal Heroes.”