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Litter
and
Wildlife |
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some of the
problems
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Animals killed |
Over 69,000 animals were killed or injured by
litter last year in Britain.
The rat population has boomed to 60 million
due to the huge amounts of litter around. This means there are
now almost as many rats as people in the UK.
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Animals trapped and
strangled |
Litter, such as cigarette
butts, plastic bags and other plastics, harms animal and
marine life in a variety of ways such as water pollution, when
these items are mistaken for food and when creatures get
caught up in plastics and get strangled.
It is estimated that every year over
1 million seabirds
and 100,000 turtles and sea mammals die of litter related
causes. |
Source:
CPRE - Campaigns |
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Hidden dangers |
There are hidden dangers to wildlife and pets
in household refuse which, if disposed of irresponsibly, can
cause injury and suffering. Scraps of food remaining in
discarded cans and jars may tempt hedgehogs and other animals
to investigate; they may squeeze their heads into the
container but all too often they then get stuck.
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Source:
JSPCA
LITTER AND WILDLIFE FACT SHEET
www.jspca.org.je |
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Plastic bags –
these can trap and suffocate animals that climb inside.
Tin cans – these can cut and trap animals.
Plastic drinks can holders (four plastic rings) – these ‘four
pack’ can holders can easily become tangled up around animals
or even strangle them.
Glass – this can cause serious injuries to both animals and
people and is also a fire hazard. It should never be
left lying around.
Elastic bands – these can trap and entangle animals. |
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When you are in the
countryside |
The Countryside Code gives good advice for
when you are visiting
the countryside:
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be safe - plan ahead
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leave gates as you find
them
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protect plants and
animals, take your litter home
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keep dogs under close
control
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consider other people
For the full Countryside Code and other
information see the countryside access website.
To watch the excellent Creature Comforts Video about visiting the
countryside, click
Creature Comforts |
www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk |
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