RSPCA Cymru Urges Public To ‘Spring Clean’ Communities To Protect Wildlife

Charity warns animals are trapped and injured by everyday rubbish

The RSPCA is urging people to help protect wildlife by taking part in this year’s Spring Clean Cymru, organised by Keep Wales Tidy.

The nationwide campaign – running from Friday (13 March) to 29 March – encourages communities across Wales to clear litter from streets, parks and waterways – with the RSPCA warning that everyday rubbish is having devastating consequences for animals.

The charity’s frontline rescuers, volunteers, vets and wildlife rehabilitation centres regularly see the impact of litter on wild animals – from birds tangled in fishing line, to mammals trapped inside plastic or garden netting.

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

According to the RSPCA’s Kindness Index, 96% of people in Wales acknowledge that litter is harmful. Among the top concerns are danger to wildlife from consuming or being trapped in litter (49%), pollution of waterways (47%), and the impact on animal habitats (27%). But despite that public acknowledgement, litter continues to blight many communities, and put animals at risk.

Although only 14% of adults in Wales have taken part in a litter pick in the last year, encouragingly, nearly half of children and young people (47%) 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.

Real-life rescues highlight the dangers of litter

Aberdare: A goose was found with a can stuck on its mouth in Aberdare. The Canadian cross greylag goose was first spotted in a small pond behind the Lakeside area, near the Dare River, with the can wedged at the top of the beak and in its mouth, so the goose was unable to eat or drink. Luckily RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Paula Milton was able to find the goose and using her net managed to catch him successfully before releasing him from the can. She checked him over and thankfully the can had only been on him for a maximum of 48 hours so  hadn’t done serious damage and she was able to let him safely go straight away. He swam off and started to drink immediately.

Pontypool: A thrush became entangled on a tree branch, 40 feet (12m) high, at Mamhilad Industrial Park, with wire wrapped around its foot. ARO Kirsty Morgan assessed the situation and called South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, who sent Red Watch from Station 33 New Inn to assist.

Kirsty said: “This poor bird was clearly very distressed and was flapping upside down high up in the tree trying to free itself.

“The fire crew arrived promptly following my call and they were able to use their specialist equipment to free the bird.

“The wire was wrapped too tight around its leg for me to remove it, so I took the thrush to a vets where the wire was removed.

“The bird had a night of rest and some anti-inflammatory medication and was then fit enough for me to release him back into the wild – which was such a lovely moment!”

Swansea: A crow was rescued after becoming caught on a Swansea aerial due to a plastic bag that was wrapped around its left leg. When trying to escape he became even more entangled. The RSPCA contacted Mid and West Fire & Rescue Service crew who helped to rescue him. His left leg had a wound, but he was thankfully in a good body condition and after receiving treatment and fluids, the crow was released back into the wild.

Rebecca added:”We see the impact of how dangerous litter can be, including at our wildlife centres, where animals have become entangled, or caught up in rubbish. Fishing tackle, cans, bottles, football netting and even disposable vapes are just some of the items that pose a serious danger.

“The good news is that preventing incidents like these is simple, and the public can help us prevent this suffering in the first place.”

Simple steps to protect wildlife from litter

The RSPCA is encouraging people to take small steps to reduce risk to animals, including:

• Plastic bags: tie a knot in the top of bags before recycling to prevent animals climbing inside and suffocating
• Plastic can holders: Cut the loops before disposing to prevent animals becoming entangled
• Balloons: Use sustainable and safe alternatives where possible. Always deflate and cut balloons before putting them in the bin, as even biodegradable materials can take weeks to break down.
• Sky lanterns: Avoid using them as animals can ingest or become trapped by them
• Cans and containers: Rinse and empty, before pinching cans shut and cut larger containers in half where possible, to prevent animals becoming trapped or injured on sharp edges
• Elastic bands: Cut before binning, as they can wrap around beaks or limbs and cause serious injury
• Fishing tackle: Take unwanted line, hooks and nets home and dispose of them safely. Never leave tackle behind
• Glass: Rinse and recycle carefully to prevent cuts and unnecessary harm
• Disposable vapes: While the ban of single-use vapes came into effect last year, there are still many existing devices being disposed of improperly. These should be disposed of through appropriate recycling routes
  
   

Rebecca added: “Spring is a particularly important time to take action, as it falls just before peak breeding season when young animals are especially vulnerable – although please be mindful of nesting birds. That’s why we’re encouraging the public to get involved in Spring Clean Cymru, to help remove any litter that may endanger animals.

“It is also really easy to help throughout the year. By holding onto our litter until we can dispose of it safely, recycling where possible, and spending even a short amount of time clearing rubbish from our communities, we can make a real difference.”

Members of the public can also sign up to become an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, the charity’s volunteering scheme aiming to change the lives of animals for the better. By volunteering and taking action for animals in their communities, the microvolunteers taking part will not only be helping wildlife but will also be ensuring that the RSPCA’s frontline staff have more time to focus on tackling cruelty and neglect.

The RSPCA shop also stocks litter picking equipment, made from recycled ocean plastic.For more information on how litter harms wildlife, visit the RSPCA website, where there is also advice on what to do if you find a sick or injured animal.