ALMOST 180 calls about litter-affected animals in Dorset have been made to the RSPCA over the past two years.

New figures reveal that the RSPCA took nearly 7,500 calls about animals affected by litter across the UK during 2020 and 2021.

Despite people being in lockdown during significant parts of those two years, the RSPCA still received on average more than 10 calls a day about animals affected by litter.

For this year’s Great British Spring Clean Challenge (25 March to 10 April), the animal welfare charity is urging people to take part in Keep Britain Tidy’s Big Bag Challenge and help protect animals by picking up any litter they see lying around as well as ensuring they take their litter home with them or disposing of it properly and responsibly.

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. 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.”

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.

Evie said: “Animals who get their heads or necks stuck in litter can suffer severe injuries as they struggle to break free and can even suffocate, while others will slowly grow weaker and weaker as they try to hunt or find food or water.

“If members of the public see discarded litter we would encourage them to pick it up safely and put it in the bin, remembering to wash their hands after. Their action could save an animal’s life.”