An Animal Rescue Charity Is Demanding A Ban On Aldi’s ‘Lethal’ Hedgehog Houses

Aldi's new Gardenline Igloo Hedgehog Houses are coming to stores on October 8^th, and while they might look cute and harmless, an animal rescue charity has called for an urgent ban on them over fears they could actually kill hedgehogs.

Hedgepigs and Hoglets Rescue from Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, took to its Facebook page to post a picture of the hedgehog home, along with the caption: "PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.

"This product is going on sale on Thursday 8^th October in Aldi stores. These igloo houses have been the cause of injury & quite probably deaths for Hedgehogs, consequently we are calling for their ban.

"Hedgehog rescues report that Hedgehogs spines get caught up in the inside where they become stuck and literally starve to death or at least suffer injuries. They are poorly made and blow over in the wind. They should be removed from the market."

Obviously people are outraged, with the post racking up more than 5k shares, and many followers say they have written to Aldi to try and get the product banned from stores.

"Shared. I hope people use common sense and do not buy these," said one, while another added: "I have added also to Aldi's review page and I will visit my local Aldi tomorrow and let them know."

"They are prone to blowing away and all made of basket, some have mesh on the inside which are riskier as you can imagine, they are just a waste of money and are another risk to Hedgehogs," they followed up with in the comments.

The charity's director, Jill Dodds, 62 added: 'They are not built well so bricks can land on top of them or a storm can cause these to fall over.

"Another rescue said to me that one of their foster carers had a hedgehog house so it fed and watered it until it was safe to be released.

"They had not seen it for three days and found it stuck in the house as the hedgehog's spine had got caught in it. Luckily, it was found in time but these houses and netting can kill hedgehogs.

"Their spines can get caught up in netting basket ware. There are so many risks to Hedgehogs. They are all human causes, if humans weren't here. I'm sure Hedgehogs would be fine. We have a responsibility for their demise so we must do something about it."

An Aldi spokesperson told Tyla: "Over a quarter of a million of these hedgehog houses have been sold over many years by various retailers and charities including the RSPB and The Woodland Trust.

"It has been tested extensively and our supplier hasn't had any reported safety issues.

"We are talking to Hedgepigs and Hoglets Rescue to share this information and allay their concerns."

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

Topics: Aldi, Home

Naomi Chadderton (FL)

Naomi is a freelance journalist working for Tyla. After graduating from The University of Nottingham, Naomi moved out to Dubai where she worked for Grazia Middle East and Harper's Bazaar Arabia. She is now back home and enjoying the London life.