Almost 200 calls about litter-affected animals made to RSPCA in Cornwall
Across the country around 10 reports are received every day about animals injured from discarded litter
It has been revealed that almost 200 calls have been made to the RSPCA in Cornwall about animals caught in rubbish over the past two years.
Figures from the charity show there were 86 reports in the Duchy in 2020, despite spending much of the year in lockdown, and there were 89 in 2021.
Nationally, the charity took nearly 7,500 calls about animals affected by litter during 2020 and 2021 - that works out to 10 reports a day of wildlife being trapped, injured or killed by rubbish or old fishing equipment.
As well as everyday rubbish, the RSPCA also sees many animals arriving into its care with terrible injuries caused by angling litter such as discarded fishing line and hooks to plastic netting.
Nearly 40 per cent (2,882) of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA last year were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter, from a seal who died after old fishing line became tangled so tightly around his mouth he could barely breath to dozens of swans who swallowed or were pierced by old fishing hooks or became entangled in fishing line.
To help tackle the problem, we're being urged to get involved with the Great British Spring Clean Challenge, which runs until 10th April, and pick up any litter we see lying around when we're out and about.
RSPCA Scientific Officer Evie Button said: “Our staff deal with thousands of incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter - and they’re the ones that we know of. I’m sure for every animal we’re able to help there are many that go unseen, unreported and may even lose their lives.
“Litter is one of the biggest hazards our wildlife faces today. It's a problem on all of our doorsteps - from city centres to the countryside and beaches - so all of us can do something to help. Spring is an ideal time to go on a litter-pick because it's before the breeding season when young animals such as fox cubs start getting into trouble, and litter will be more visible in hedges 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.”