British Hedgehogs saved by McDonald’s packaging redesign

By Stone Martindale Sep 3, 2006, 3:44 GMT

Two hedgehogs watch the Carnival parade in Mainz, Germany, Not quite as cute as British Hedgehogs who are suckers for McFlurries.. EPA/SALOME KEGLER

LONDON – Cute little hedgehogs have finally gotten the attention of mega fast food conglomerate McDonald's after years of animal rights campaigning, forcing the company to redesign its lethal McFlurry ice-cream containers.

The opening in the McFlurry container has been large enough for the sweet toothed hedgehogs to get their heads stuck in as they lick the remains of left-over dessert, a deadly trap they have then been unable to withdraw from, rendering them helpless and ultimately dying of starvation in huge numbers.

But from September 1st, the container change will be in effect, saving the little furry critters from their inquisitive trash picking.

"This is excellent, it is long overdue news," said Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. "We have been in touch with McDonald's about this problem for over five years and are delighted that they have at last solved the problem."

McDonald's said in a statement the design change had resulted from pressure from the society which prompted "significant research and design testing" to develop new packaging.

"The smaller aperture of the lid has been designed to prevent hedgehogs from entering the McFlurry container in the unfortunate incidence that a lid is littered and is then accessible to wildlife," it added.