Shocking RSPCA photos show the dangers of litter
24 February 2010
Shocking images released by the RSPCA show the true extent of the dangers of litter.
This comes as a cow had to have her head freed from a washing machine drum after the item was dumped in a field.
RSPCA inspector David Hobbs, who freed the young cow near St Columb, Cornwall, said: "She was probably curious.
“Fly-tipping is an ugly blight on the landscape. But it can also endanger animals."
The RSPCA dossier of photos also shows fox cubs with their heads stuck in a glass jar, a rusty old tin can and a discarded gear wheel.
There is also a mallard duck trapped with its head pushed through the frames of a pair of old spectacles.
All were rescued by the Society, treated for injuries where necessary and, in the case of the wild creatures, released.
Nicola Peate from Keep Britain Tidy said: “These pictures are shocking and I hope this drives home the message that litter can be very dangerous.
“People need to think about the impact that their behaviour can have on the environment.
“Litter obviously looks unsightly but these photos show there is a much more serious problem.”
Click on the images to enlarge
Inspector Hobbs added: "If people disposed of their rubbish properly, many animals would be saved from injury and death.
"A large proportion of the injuries dealt with by the Society's inspectors, animal collection officers, vets and wildlife hospitals are caused by carelessly discarded rubbish and fishing litter."
To find out more about the work of the RSPCA click here.
Pictures provided by the RSPCA