What is it with these New Zealanders and small animals?

A New Zealand man is facing five years in prison after being accused of assaulting a boy with a hedgehog.

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

Police senior sgt Bruce Jenkins said: "It hit the victim in the leg, causing a large, red welt and several puncture marks." The boy did not need medical treatment after the Feb 9 incident.

More sordid details here.