TWO hoglets have been left orphaned after a family of hedgehogs fell victim to a garden strimmer.

The family had been nesting in a garden when a gardener who was using a strimmer sadly came upon them. 

The mother along with three hoglets were taken to The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre on Thursday, June 6. 

The family arrived at the wildlife hospital alive, however, the mother and one of the hoglets had to be euthanised due to the extent of their injuries. 

Natalie Gould, admin manager at The Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre said: "A family of hedgehogs were brought into us today (June 6) after being victims of a horrific and tragic incident involving a garden strimmer.

"Sadly, mum and one of the hoglets had to be euthanised by our vet due to the severity of their injuries.

"The mum had suffered a laceration to the abdomen causing her intestines to fall out and had damage to her organs as a result.

"She also had a deep laceration to her head exposing her skull.

"One of the hoglets suffered an injury to one side of the body from head to rump where the spines and skin had been removed entirely.

"Both hedgehogs were alive when they were brought in and very promptly put to sleep.

"The images taken post euthanasia were deemed too graphic for social media."

Two green finches and nine hedgehogs have sadly died to strimmers in the past two months at the hospital. 

She continued: "The remaining two hoglets were remarkably unharmed and are now left as orphans.

"What a tragic start to their short little lives.

"They will now be hand-reared by our trained care assistants until they are fit for release.

"Accidents like this are avoidable if correct care and attention is taken.

"Always assess an area before using any garden machinery.

"It is nesting season which means it is very likely that baby animals will be found in long grass, including fledgling birds, baby rabbits, baby hares, hedgehogs and many others.

"If you absolutely have to carry out such garden work, have a look through the grass first.

"Adding an extra few minutes to your garden work can save lives."

June 6 was also the centre's 40th anniversary and in that time the hospital has treated over 146,000 animals.