RSPCA issue urgent warning over animal safety fears this summer

Animals are facing a hazardous summer, as lockdown eases and more people are out enjoying a staycation, the charity warns.

Data from the animal charity reveals that reports about sick and injured animals double in the summer months, and with July’s figures (145,417) considerably higher this year than the same time in 2020 (119,348), indications are that this August will also be very busy.

From seals disturbed by water craft, increased litter affecting animals, barbecues affecting nesting birds on beaches and livestock being chased by dogs off leads, the problems escalate during the holiday season.

Reports about sick and injured animals double in the summer months. (RSPCA)

This year, amid incidents of paddle boards, kayaks, motor vehicles, selfie-takers, dogs and campers disturbing marine mammals and birds, the charity is working with the police and other organisations to urge people visiting Britain’s coastline to ‘Observe, Don’t Disturb’ as part of the Operation Seabird campaign.

Away from the coast, dangers to animals also persist, from hazards in the garden and litter that can kill, to wildlife and livestock attacks by dogs, balloon and sky lantern releases that can choke animals or start fires and glue traps that can accidentally catch bats, snakes and birds.

Advice from the RSPCA

To help holidaymakers reduce the risks to animals this summer, RSPCA advises:

• Staying a significant distance from wildlife, whether on a watercraft, around the coast or simply when taking a walk in the countryside
• Never getting close enough to touch animals or take selfies
• Only using barbecues in designated areas
• Reading signs and sticking to paths
• Keeping dogs on leads where instructed to do so and keeping dogs under control at all times
• Disposing of litter - both from angling and general litter - responsibly 

Nearly 116,000 reports about sick, orphaned and injured animals were made to our emergency line last August. (RSPCA)

Before leaving home, holiday-makers should ensure:

• Sports and garden netting is taken down and packed away to prevent hedgehogs, foxes and other animals from getting tangled up
• Drains and other holes are covered so small animals can’t fall in and then be unable to get out
• There is an easy route for small animals to climb out of a pond if they fall in, such as a ramp or stones placed near the edge of the pond
• The shed door is securely shut
• No traps have been set in the garden, for example glue traps to catch rodents.  They are indiscriminate and can trap any small animal from kittens and bats to robins.
• Finding alternatives to balloon or sky lantern releases to commemorate a loved one
• The grass has been checked for wildlife and their nests before using strimmers or mowers which could injure them

Common disturbances to wildlife in coastal holiday areas include speedboats, kayaks and paddleboards deliberately getting too close to seals, dolphins and cetaceans.

Sadly, this often causes stress to the animals and can result in the females suffering spontaneous abortions or babies being abandoned by their mothers. 

Warning to dog owners and holidaymakers

Other issues include dogs off leads disturbing nesting birds or seals, litter including plastic rings severely injuring seals, wild camping beach barbecues and camp fires causing significant damage on the beach and quad bikes or 4x4s vehicles riding over nesting areas.

You should ensure sports and garden netting is taken down and packed away to prevent hedgehogs, foxes and other animals from getting tangled up. (RSPCA)

There have even been incidents where beachgoers have got too close to wild animals for the sake of a selfie. Users of boats and other watercraft can also cause severe injury to some marine mammals if they collide with them while trying to watch them.

RSPCA Scientific Officer Evie Button said: “Nearly 116,000 reports about sick, orphaned and injured animals were made to our emergency line last August (2020) and based on last year’s numbers, we’re expecting this summer to be even busier.  

“Sadly, thoughtless behaviour, leading to incidents that can disturb, injure or even kill animals increase over the holiday season as more people venture out to make the most of the ending of the coronavirus restrictions.

“But as a nation of animal lovers, it’s so important for us to stop for a moment and think about how our actions can affect animals, and we urge people to follow advice on what they can do to keep animals safe.”

For more information about what to do if you find a wild animal in need of help, please visit the RSPCA’s website.