The West Midlands ranks third in the country for wildlife incidents caused by litter, according to the RSPCA.

Last year, the region saw 87 reported cases of animals affected by discarded waste, with only Greater London and Greater Manchester recording higher numbers.

These cases included a duck in Walsall Canal that became entangled in a plastic six-pack beer can holder, which wrapped around its neck and beak, making it difficult to eat.

Fortunately, RSPCA officers rescued the duck and took it to the Newbrook Animal Hospital in Birmingham for treatment. The charity expressed concern that the duck could have starved or drowned if not found in time.

The RSPCA has also recorded incidents across other areas in the region: 28 in Staffordshire, 20 in Worcestershire, 17 in Warwickshire, eight in Herefordshire, and five in Shropshire. Birmingham, the Black Country, Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Coventry were all noted within the West Midlands total.

Another serious incident occurred in West Bromwich, where a duckling had swallowed a deflated balloon and string. It was taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital in Gloucestershire, where staff safely removed the foreign objects.

In the wake of the incident, the charity urged the public: “Please always deflate balloons and cut them up before putting them safely into your bin to prevent wildlife casualties.”

More recently, in February this year, a hedgehog was found in Much Wenlock, Shropshire, with an elastic band cutting into its midsection. The band had become embedded in the animal’s skin, posing a severe risk to its health.

Fishing litter is another common hazard. About 34% of the RSPCA’s litter-related calls last year involved animals caught in discarded fishing gear, including hooks and lines.

To combat these dangers, the RSPCA is encouraging the public to join Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean, which runs until April 6. The goal is to reduce the volume of harmful waste in natural spaces and prevent more animals from being injured or killed by litter.

Carrie Stones, the RSPCA’s anti-litter campaign manager, emphasised that spring is the best time for a clean-up. With less vegetation, litter is easier to spot, and it’s just before the breeding season when young wildlife like fox cubs are particularly vulnerable. The charity hopes that public participation will lead to cleaner environments and safer habitats for the UK’s wildlife.

Ms Stones said: “It’s distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter. Our rescuers deal with so many avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter.

“Sadly, for every animal we’re able to help, there are probably many others that go unseen and unreported, and some of our fellow living creatures may even be losing their lives.

“But the public can help us protect animals and avoid these incidents happening in the first place.”

 

 

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