Time to clean up your act, says RSPCA

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A cow with its head stuck in a washing machine, a fox cub trapped in a hub-cap and a seal entangled in a net are just some of the preventable incidents that the RSPCA has had to deal with.

With litter responsible for the injury and death of thousands of animals each year, the RSPCA is urging people to think before they throw away unwanted wrappers, cans and other rubbish.

Annually, the RSPCA receives over 7,000 phone calls about wildlife, farm animals and pets which have been hurt, trapped or killed by carelessly dumped rubbish. Many pet and farm owners go direct to vets, and many injured wild animals will never be found, it is estimated that this figure is just the tip of the iceberg.

Sustainability and social responsibility manager for the RSPCA, Helen Ball said: “What makes this issue so frustrating is that it is just so avoidable.

“Animals are dying or being really badly hurt, just because people prefer to hurl things out of their car window or drop them on the ground rather than just wait until they get to a bin.

“A simple tin can or elastic band can be a real death trap when left in the street or in the countryside, where many people walk their dogs and wildlife lives. Yet so much trash is left lying around due to pure thoughtlessness.

“The message here really is stark but simple - litter is lethal.”

Everyday objects pose a real hazard when dumped. Elastic bands can get caught around necks of animals and beaks of birds and can be swallowed; fishing hooks and broken glass can pierce and tear skin; and plastic bags can suffocate animals who crawl into them and cause those who eat them to choke and die.

All animals - wildlife, farm animals and pets - are affected by discarded rubbish.

Here are some top tips for simple ways to help:

• Balloons – Once balloons burst, animals can mistake them for food and can choke. Released balloons can land anywhere. Cut used balloons into pieces before putting in the bin.
• Glass – Bottles and jars break easily, leaving sharp edges. Recycle glass at a bottle bank.
• Plastic bags – Animals can climb inside and suffocate or eat them and choke. Tie a knot in all bags before disposing of them, or, recycle or reuse.
• Fishing tackle – Line can get caught around legs, wings, necks and beaks andhooks can pierce skin and muscle or swallowed causing internal injuries. Take unwanted line home and cut into small pieces before putting in the bin. Wrap hooks in newspaper before putting in the bin.
• Small containers and cans – Attracted by leftovers, animals will forage inside and get their heads trapped. Larger animals may get their tongues caught or damaged by sharp edges. Cats often rummage in rubbish bins. Remember to remove lids, and cut in half or squash cans where possible. Try to recycle where possible.
• Plastic can holders – Animals can get entangled, causing deep sores and wounds. Always cut the loops before putting in bin.
• Elastic bands - Can get caught around necks of small animals and beaks of birds. Can also be swallowed, causing animal to choke. Whenever possible reuse bands and cut them open before putting in the bin.