95 per cent of people worried about the impact of rubbish on animals

The RSPCA receives an average of 10 calls a day about animals affected by rubbish, but reports spike even higher in the summer months – prompting the charity to urge the public to do their bit for animals by getting involved in a litter pick this summer.

Friday (June 5) is World Environment Day – and how we dispose of our rubbish is a serious issue across the UK, including for animals.

Litter can pose real dangers to wildlife – items like discarded food tins, frisbees, balloons, plastic bags or fishing nets may seem harmless, but they can cause entanglement, injuries or even death for animals.

RSPCA figures show that last year the charity received more than 300 calls about mammals and birds tangled up in fishing debris alone – including hooks, lines and nets.

Now, as part of the RSPCA’s Summer of Kindness, the charity is encouraging everyone to take part in its seven Kind Acts for animals – including pulling on a pair of rubber gloves and getting involved in a community litter pick.

Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA said: “It’s distressing how our native wildlife is affected by litter and so many of these incidents are completely avoidable.

“We see the impact of how dangerous litter can be, including at our wildlife centres, when animals have become entangled, or caught up in rubbish. The good news is that preventing incidents like these is simple, and the public can help us prevent this suffering in the first place.

“Litter picking is a fantastic community act that benefits everyone around us – people and animals.

“People of all ages can get involved, and this simple but powerful action to reduce harm to animals, both on land and in water, is a meaningful way to connect environmental responsibility with animal welfare.”

The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index highlights that people are concerned – with 95 per cent of respondents admitting they are worried about the impact of litter.

Nearly half (45pc) were worried about the impact on waterways and 43pc were concerned about wildlife being trapped by or consuming litter.

Just over a quarter (27pc) expressed concern over the impact on animals’ habitats, while others were worried about pets (16pc) or farm animals (10pc) ingesting rubbish.

But despite that public acknowledgement, litter continues to blight many communities and put animals at risk – and action still remains limited.

Of those who took part in the Animal Kindness Index, only 13pc had ever participated in a litter pick.

But the future could be brighter. Encouragingly, 40pc of children and young people say they have taken action by picking up litter or taking it home to prevent harm to animals – suggesting the next generation is leading the way in protecting wildlife.

Rebecca added: “It’s great to hear that youngsters are keen to get involved and take action against litter – by all working together, we can make a real difference.

“Our rescuers deal with so many avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter – old drink cans and bottles, plastic items and even disposable vapes are just some of the items that pose a danger to our wildlife – including, more than any other mammals, foxes, deer and hedgehogs. Animals can ingest the litter or become entangled, leading to injuries and even death.

“But the public can help us protect animals, and avoid these incidents happening in the first place.

“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.

“If you see litter, pick it up and put it in a bin, and encourage others to do the same – or even better, organise or take part in a big community litter pick.

“As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, this could save an animal’s life.“