THE RSPCA is calling people to dispose of their litter properly after revealing it has had 211 call outs for animals trapped or injured by general and angling waste in the last five years.
Overall the charity has received more than 21,600 reports of animals injured or caught in litter over the past five years.
Now it is urging people who are going out more since lockdown restrictions were eased to ensure they take their litter home with them or dispose of it properly.
The county has had 60 cases of wildlife caught in general litter like tin cans, plastic bottles and elastic bands.
However litter left by anglers has resulted in 152 call outs with cases of animals and birds trapped in netting and fishing line and the like.
Head of the RSPCA’s wildlife team Adam Grogan said: “Our staff are dealing with thousands of incidents every year across the country 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.
“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.”
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 plastic netting.
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.
“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.
“Most anglers are very responsible when disposing of their litter, but it only takes one careless person to endanger the life of an animal. We ask that all those who enjoy fishing to follow the Angling Trust Take 5 campaign and make use of the recycling scheme to dispose of their waste tackle.
“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.”