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The RSPCA is urging local residents to help protect wild animals by participating in litter picks. This comes as Greater Manchester ranked within the top ten counties for reports of animals affected by litter in 2024. The initiative aligns with Keep Britain Tidy's 'Great British Spring Clean', scheduled from now to April 6.
An RSPCA survey reveals that 74 per cent of animal lovers and supporters are concerned about the harm litter causes to animals. (Image: RSPCA) Carrie Stones, the RSPCA's anti-litter campaign manager, said: "It's distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter, and we urge everyone in Greater Manchester to join the Great British Spring Clean litter pick to help protect animals. "Our rescuers deal with so many avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter.
" The RSPCA rescuers frequently encounter distressing situations caused by litter, such as a duck caught in a plastic drinks holder and a fox trapped in a discarded clothes drying rack. In Greater Manchester, a swan found entangled in old fishing line by a lake at Rabbit Rocks, Wigan, was rescued by the RSPCA. (Image: RSPCA) It was wrapped many times around his neck and into his mouth.
He could hardly move and couldn't feed properly. Leaving him in that condition would most likely have proved fatal. RSPCA rescuers were able to gently restrain him and unwind the line from his neck and mouth.
Luckily, he had no injuries, so was released immediately back into the wild. Based on reports to the RSPCA last year, the top ten counties with the biggest litter problems affecting animals are: Greater London (263), Greater Manchester (95), West Midlands (87), Lancashire (81), Devon (77), Kent (70), Hampshire (60), Cornwall & Essex (joint 56), Merseyside (55), and Somerset (54). (Image: RSPCA) Ms Stones added: "Spring is an ideal time to go on a litter-pick because it falls before the breeding season when young animals such as fox cubs are at risk of getting into trouble, while litter in hedges will be more visible to pickers before the vegetation really starts growing.
"That's why we're calling on the public to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean to help remove litter that may endanger animals. "But it's also really easy for the public to help at all times of the year. "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.
"As we all strive to create a better world for every animal, this could save an animal's life.".
