A hedgehog breeder in Basildon is speaking out against the government for approving a trap for sale in the UK, which is used to kill the animals in New Zealand.

Defra have approved the trap for use on rats and stoats, and are expecting users of the trap to make sure they don’t accidentally trap hedgehogs.

But Hazel Lane, 44, who breeds pygmy hedgehogs and is often referred to as ‘the hedgehog lady’, says the trap can only spell more bad news for the nation’s hedgehogs.

The dental nurse, of Chesterford Green, Basildon, said: “I think it’s just awful. Hedgehog numbers are in a massive decline, and the last thing hedgehogs need is another hazard to add to their woes. Not enough thought has gone into the decision to allow these traps.”

New figures released this year showed the British hedgehog population has plummeted by more than half since 2000.

Another hedgehog enthusiast, John Turner, who is from Great Burstead, started an online petition calling on the government to withdraw approval for the trap.

So far, it has almost 200,000 signatures. “Hedgehogs are a protected species in the UK, it’s illegal to trap and kill them, even accidentally,” he pointed out. “Due to the destruction of their habitat by the removal of hedgerows this British favourite has come into urban areas and sought food and safety in our gardens.

“This has resulted in many deaths as they find most gardeners use slug pellets which are toxic.”

Hedgehog awareness week is from May 6 to 12.