RSPCA reveals how many calls it took about animals caught in or injured by litter in Suffolk

Published: 14:57, 04 June 2020

| Updated: 14:59, 04 June 2020

The RSPCA is urging Suffolk residents to take their litter home with them after revealing the number of animals impacted by litter.

The animal welfare charity said 277 animals were injured or caught in litter over the five year period to 2020.

Across the UK, 21,600 reports were made of this type of incident in the period - which has led to the RSPCA appealing today (Thursday, June 4).

Juvenile grey seal Galactica was rescued from Horsey, Norfolk, on 24 May after being spotted on the beach with blue plastic netting tangled tightly around her neck. She’s now receiving specialist care at RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre where vets removed the netting. She’s the 56th seal to be admitted to the centre with these injuries since 2008.

Adam Grogan, head of the RSPCA’s wildlife team, said: “Our staff are dealing with thousands of incidents every year where animals and birds 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 - and it’s something that’s very easy to resolve. That’s why we’re calling on the public to take extra care to clear up after they’ve been out for a walk or enjoyed a picnic in the woods.

“Now that the Government has eased some of the lockdown restrictions, we’re sure lots of families will be out and about in nature. But it’s our job to protect nature and that includes properly and responsibly disposing of our litter so that animals can’t be hurt.”

Tin cans, plastic bottles and elastic bands were some of the biggest offenders, while the RSPCA took 5,183 reports relating to animals injured or caught in angling litter nationwide.

There have been a further 12,904 reports of animals and birds trapped in netting, which includes netting discarded as rubbish but this also includes sports netting or netting put on bushes or trees to deter birds.

In Suffolk 194 were caught in angling litter, 83 were in general litter. The statistics ranked the county among the median across the UK.

Tin cans were among the worst offenders, according to the RSPCA

Adam added: “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.

“Others will get fishing line or netting cutting deep into their skin, affecting circulation and with wounds becoming seriously infected. These hazards can very quickly become a matter of life or death for these animals and action is urgently needed to tackle this problem head-on. It’s up to every one of us to do our bit in the war against litter.”

Adam added: “The majority of anglers do dispose of their litter properly and it is frustrating that those who don’t possibly don’t realise how dangerous it is to animals. Discarded line in particular is a terrible hazard for wildlife, particularly as it can be almost invisible."

If you’re concerned about the welfare of an animal please contact the RSPCA’s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.

Bury St Edmunds Haverhill Newmarket Sudbury William Mata