JSPCA LITTER AND WILDLIFE FACT SHEET

Hazards that rubbish poses to both pets and wildlife

Every year the JSPCA rescues and treats animals that have been injured by careless disposal of domestic rubbish. Please remember to carefully dispose of all your rubbish.

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. 

To ensure the well being of our pets and wildlife, litter should be disposed of safely and responsibly:

• Plastic bags – these can trap and suffocate animals that climb inside.  Tie a knot in the bag and dispose of them appropriately in litter bins, or, alternatively, recycle them. 

• Tin cans – these can cut and trap animals. If it is not possible to recycle your cans, remove the lid completely, drop it into the bottom of the can and pinch the top of the can shut.

• Yoghurt pots – animals can get their heads stuck inside.  Remove the lids completely and squash together the pots.

• All food containers that are thrown away should be washed prior to being discarded, so as to reduce the chance of attracting animals.

• Plastic drinks can holders (four plastic rings) – these ‘four pack’ can holders can easily become tangled up around animals or even strangle them.  Cut the loops holding the binding together before you throw them away.  Alternatively, purchase drinks with a cardboard carrying box that can be recycled.

• Glass – this can cause serious injuries to both animals and people and is also a fire hazard.  It should never be left lying around.  Glass bottles can be recycled.  Plastic bottles can also be recycled, but if this is not possible, cut the bottles in half before you throw them away – this will stop small animals becoming trapped inside.

Other articles that are hazardous to animals include:

• Elastic bands – these can trap and entangle animals.  Please cut them up before you put them in the bin.

• Solvents and sump oil – can pollute streams and rivers if they are poured down the drain.  Some garages have collection points for sump oil, which can then be recycled.

• Unwanted fishing tackle – hooks, lines etc can seriously injure and even kill water birds and other animals.  Take fishing tackle home and dispose of it safely.

If a domestic pet, wild animal or bird, is found caught up in household rubbish, contact the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter or a local veterinary practice as soon as possible.

 

 

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

 

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je