RSPCA backs Spring Clean Cymru

Shocking new statistics from RSPCA Cymru show the devastating impact litter has on wild animals and pets in Wales, with the charity backing our calls for people across Wales to help clean up their local communities and beauty spots as part of Spring Clean Cymru 2025.

Of 2,199 reports the RSPCA received about animals affected by litter in 2024, 121 of these were in Wales, with the most reports coming from Cardiff (20), Denbighshire (15), Swansea (12) and Conwy (12).

Too injured to survive

Some of the most distressing reports from Wales included a swan in Tredegar who swallowed a fishing hook and had a pellet lodged inside its head, and a duck entangled in fishing line in Haverfordwest which involved a joint rescue operation by the RSPCA and Mid and West Wales Fire Service.

Both of these animals were sadly too injured to survive and had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

Successful rescue missions

However, RSPCA rescuers were able to save many other animals affected by litter in Wales, including a Canadian cross greylag goose in Aberdare who was found with a can stuck on its mouth; a crow in Swansea who became caught on an aerial due to a plastic bag that was wrapped around its left leg; and a second duck in Haverfordwest whose leg was also caught in fishing line, but thankfully was not as badly injured as its companion and was able to return to its home in the Cleddau River.

Just last week, a thrush was successfully rescued near Pontypool after being entangled in wire on a tree branch 40 feet high, thanks to staff at Monmouthshire Housing Association who called the RSPCA after spotting it clearly in distress. A joint operation between the RSPCA rescue team, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and treatment at a vets meant the bird was soon well enough to be released back into the wild.

Many incidents avoidable

Across England and Wales, there were more reports about foxes (160), deer (48) and hedgehogs (31) impacted by litter than any other mammals in 2024. Amongst wild birds, reports about pigeons came top (516), followed by swans (445) and gulls (383).

It’s distressing to see how our native wildlife is being affected by litter, and we urge everyone in Wales to join Spring Clean Cymru to help protect animals. Our rescuers deal with so many avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter. 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 Stones
Anti-litter Campaign Manager, RSPCA

We are deeply concerned by continual reports of litter negatively impacting animals in Wales. Pets, wildlife and other animals are too often hurt, injured or worse by carelessly discarded litter, whether that’s food packets, drink cans and plastic bags, or cigarette butts, and discarded fishing tackle or toys. We echo the RSPCA’s calls reminding members of the public to ensure all litter is disposed of properly, to help keep our pets and wildlife safe from harm. We are also asking people from across Wales to join us in this year’s Spring Clean Cymru, helping to clean up our local communities and beauty spots, making them safer and more enjoyable for everyone, including wildlife.

Owen Derbyshire
Chief Executive, Keep Wales Tidy

The RSPCA has detailed information on its website about what to do if you find an animal that is hurt or injured, whether that’s due to litter or any other reason.

It’s not too late to get involved! Spring Clean Cymru runs until 6 April. Register your own clean-up or join a public event.

Find out more

Back to our news