RSPCA says hundreds of animals in Dorset affected by litter

Distressing incidents dealt with by the charity nationally include a hedgehog entangled in old barbed wire, a fox cub with litter caught round its neck and a goose with an old drinks can stuck to its lower beak. 

Of the 298 calls made over the past four years, the charity said litter-related reports were highest for foxes, hedgehogs and deer. 

Meanwhile among wild birds, swans, pigeons and gulls bore the greatest brunt of discarded rubbish risks were higher to foxes, hedgehogs, deer, swans and pigeons.

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.” 

Now, the RSPCA is urging people to get involved with Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘great British spring clean’ from March 15 to 31. 

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.   

Carrie added: “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. 

“But it’s also really easy for the public to help at all times of the year. When people are out and about, we urge them to hold on to their litter until there is an opportunity to dispose of it safely and responsibly - or recycle where appropriate. As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, this could save an animal’s life.”