RSPCA issue warning over number of animals hurt by litter across the UK

The RSPCA has given a stark warning to consider the effects of leaving litter on the ground and how it can affect local wildlife.

According to figures from the charity, officers received almost 13,000 reports nationwide about animals found severely injured, trapped, mutilated, choked or even dead from carelessly discarded litter over the past four years.

Now - the RSPCA is urging people to help "create a better world for every animal" by getting involved in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean’ (from 15-31 March). Individuals, groups or schools can pledge their support - and say how many bags of litter they intend to pick up - with more than 400,000 collected in total last year.

Distressing incidents dealt with by the RSPCA nationally include a hedgehog entangled in old barbed wire, a fox cub with litter caught round his neck, a goose with an old drinks can stuck to her lower beak and a Great Black Backed Gull whose leg became almost completely detached due to old fishing line cutting in.

Amongst mammals, litter-related reports to the RSPCA were highest for foxes, hedgehogs and deer, while among wild birds, swans, pigeons and gulls bore the greatest brunt of discarded rubbish. The RSPCA even received reports of family pets such as cats and dogs being affected by litter.

RSPCA anti-litter campaigns manager Carrie Stones said: "Our rescuers deal with thousands of avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter.

"Old drinks cans and bottles, plastic items and even disposable vapes are just some of the items that pose a danger to our wildlife - including hedgehogs, deer and foxes. Animals can ingest the litter or become entangled, leading to injuries, mutilations and even death.

"Sadly, for every animal we’re able to help there are probably many others that go unseen, unreported and may even lose their lives.

"But the public can help us protect animals, and avoid these incidents happening in the first place.

"Spring is an ideal time to go on a litter-pick because it falls before the breeding season when young animals such as fox cubs are at risk of getting into trouble, while litter in hedges will be more visible to pickers before the vegetation really starts growing. That’s why we’re calling on the public to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean to help remove litter that may endanger animals."

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.

• animals