Litter can kill critters
Thousands of animals have been trapped or injured by litter in the past year, many getting tangled in PPE tossed by the roadside. The RSPCA dealt with 4,000 cases last year including a duck caught in a medical mask, a baby hedgehog with plastic around its neck, a fox with his head in a pasty wrapper and a gannet caught in plastic.
The charity gets at least 10 such calls a day and is urging the public to take litter home – and pick up any they spot.
Adam Grogan, head of wildlife at the RSPCA, said: “For every animal we’re able to help there are many that go unseen.
“Litter is one of the biggest hazards wildlife face and the pandemic has just added to the problem.
“That’s why we’re calling on the public to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean. Animals can suffer severe injury and suffocate, while others grow weaker as they try to find food or water.” ■■The Great British Spring Clean is May 28-June 13. See keepbritaintidy.org or sogn up to their litterheroes Facebook page.