It’s asking the public to join a litter pick in March, as the charity reveals that foxes, deer and hedgehogs are the mammals most at risk from the nation’s litter menace.
The call comes as Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Great British Spring Clean’ kicks off this week (March 21 March – 6 April), and the charity has released new data revealing that it received a “shocking” 2,199 reports about animals affected by litter last year.
There were more reports about foxes (160), deer (48) and hedgehogs (31) impacted by litter than any other mammals in 2024.
With some wildlife laws being nearly 200 years old, it’s apparent legislation needs to be updated.
I’m delighted to join @humaneworlduk and @RSPCA_official in asking @DefraGovUK to conduct a full review of our wildlife laws and introduce a new Wildlife Act. #ActforWildlife pic.twitter.com/iFiiqD4i0K
— Ellie Chowns (@EllieChowns) March 18, 2025
Amongst wild birds, reports about pigeons came top (516), followed by swans (445) and gulls (383).
RSPCA urges Brits to join a spring litter pick to save wildlife
The RSPCA’s frontline rescuers, volunteers, vets and rehab centres are seeing the consequences of “carelessly” discarded litter on wildlife – including a duck caught in a plastic drinks holder; a fox caught in an old clothes drying rack; a crow entangled in a polythene bag; a seal with old netting cutting into the flesh of her neck; and a swan caught up in old fishing line.
The RSPCA’s anti-litter campaign manager Carrie Stones explained: “It’s distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter, and we urge everyone 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.
Native wild animals in the UK
“Old drinks cans and bottles, plastic items and even disposable vapes are just some of the items that pose a danger to our wildlife – including, more than any other mammals, foxes, deer and hedgehogs. Animals can ingest the litter or become entangled, leading to injuries, mutilations and even death.
“Sadly, for every animal we’re able to help there are probably many others that go unseen, 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.”
Carrie 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 – though please be mindful of nest-building birds.
It’s common to see ponds filled with frogspawn at this time of year 🐸
Moving it to another pond or taking it home or to schools can harm the development of tadpoles and frogs, so it’s best to let nature do its thing!
Learn more about amazing amphibians: https://t.co/dWTQanXuiL pic.twitter.com/6LwturIzSa
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) March 12, 2025
“At this time, 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.”
As well as everyday rubbish, the RSPCA also sees many animals arriving into its care with “terrible” injuries caused by angling litter such as discarded fishing line, hooks and plastic netting.
Around 34% (751) of all litter-related calls to the RSPCA last year were about animals that had specifically become caught in fishing litter.
The campaign manager also warned: “We strongly urge those who enjoy fishing to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. It only takes one piece of snagged line to be left in a tree or dropped near the water to endanger the life of an animal. We ask anglers to follow the Angling Trust Anglers Against Litter campaign and make use of recycling schemes to dispose of their waste tackle.”
Additionally, the RSPCA has cautioned that discarded biodegradable food litter also poses dangers – putting many animals at risk of road traffic collisions.
Simple Ways to Create a Wildlife-friendly Garden
Carrie said: “Many will be surprised that biodegradable food litter can be as dangerous to animals as other litter. If an apple core or fruit peel is thrown from a passing vehicle or discarded by the roadside, it can attract many kinds of wildlife – from mammals to birds – and put them in danger of passing vehicles.”
What to do if you find a small sick or injured animal
To get help for a small sick or injured animal as quickly as possible, the RSPCA’s advice is to take it to a vet – there is more information online.
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Every time a wild animal is helped by the public it frees up vital RSPCA specialist rescuers to reach animals suffering “heartbreaking cruelty and neglect, a job no other charity does”.
The nationwide litter pick comes as an RSPCA survey of animal lovers and supporters cites the effects litter has on animals as top of their list of concerns about the potential problems carelessly discarded rubbish creates.
Three-quarters (74%) of those respondents identified harm to animals as their leading concern.
