A Dumbarton-based hedgehog rescue centre has made an urgent plea for help as demand for its services soars following a major change by the Scottish SPCA.

Hogwatch Dumbarton Hedgehog Rescue, run entirely by volunteers, has seen calls double since July, when the SSPCA announced it would temporarily stop taking in most small wildlife, including hedgehogs, due to a compliance issue with euthanasia drugs.

Founder Dawn Sharke says the impact has been dramatic: "There are very few rescue centres in Scotland, so we're now receiving hedgehogs from up to 100 miles away. Multiple volunteer drivers often have to pass animals between them to get them safely to us. Leaving them to suffer or be euthanised simply isn't an option."

The rescue, which is on track to care for 250 hedgehogs this year, c

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