In an effort to save hedgehogs, McDonald's is changing the design of its killer McFlurry ice-cream containers.

Previously, the opening of the containers were big enough for the animals to get their heads in. But they were unable to get them out, causing scores of hedgehogs to starve to death.

Starting September 1, the opening in the lid of the ice-cream containers will be too small for hedgehogs to get their heads inside.

Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, tells Reuters, "This is excellent, it is long overdue news... 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 says in a statement that the change in design was prompted by pressure from the society. The company was led to conduct "significant research and design testing" to develop new packaging.

The company adds, "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."