Buzzin Bizarre

It was recently reported in The Herald newspaper, that a New Zealand man is facing five years in prison accused of assault with a hedgehog.

William Singalargh, 27-years-old, apparently picked up the hedgehog and threw it at a 15-year-old boy in the North Island town of Whakatane.

Bruce Jenkins, the Police senior Sergeant said “It hit the victim in the leg, causing a large, red welt and several puncture marks”, however, the boy did not need medical attention.

Mr Singalargh was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon [the hedgehog], added Mr Jenkins “People often get charged with assault for throwing things at people” although the use of this type of weapon was “uncommon”.

Mr Singalargh’s lawyer said that he intended to plead innocent when the case resumes on April 17th, and if he is convicted he could face up to five years in prison.  It is unclear if he could also face animal cruelty charges as it is proving difficult to know if the hedgehog was alive at the time of the incident as it was dead when it was collected as evidence.