Porcupine quills are remarkable defensive structures that can cause serious welfare issues for both porcupines and other animals.
Porcupine quill encounters cause substantial suffering for dogs and wildlife. Quills can migrate through tissue, penetrating organs if not removed. Animals who cannot remove quills may die of infection or starvation. Porcupines themselves suffer when confronted repeatedly by predators or when quills break. Veterinary care for quilled animals should always use appropriate pain management.