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A fox cub that had rubbish stuck around its neck for three weeks has been rescued and is being cared for at a wildlife centre.
The young animal, struggling to eat and drink, was depicted with a large square brown block, wider than its ear, wrapped around its neck.
Members of the public reported that the puppy had been struggling for three weeks after first being seen in Acocks Green in Birmingham.
Rescuers eventually found it lethargic, emaciated and dehydrated and the obstruction was removed before the animal was transferred to a wildlife center for rehabilitation.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Cara Gibbon said the situation could have easily been avoided.
She said: “It is very sad and heartbreaking to know that this poor fox would not have been in this situation if someone had disposed of his rubbish properly in the first place.
“Fortunately we were able to safely trap him and remove the rubbish and we transferred him to a wildlife center where he was checked out.
“He was emaciated and dehydrated, probably because he hasn’t been able to eat or drink properly for three weeks, but thankfully he is now getting the treatment he needs.”
In the last three years, there have been more than 10,000 calls about animals affected by litter, according to the RSPCA.
Unfortunately, for every animal we can help, there are probably many that go unseen, unreported, and may even lose their lives.
The charity receives an average of almost 10 reports a day of animals being injured, trapped, maimed or dead due to discarded rubbish and urges the public to dispose of rubbish correctly to protect animals and wildlife.
RSPCA scientific officer Evie Button said: “Litter is one of the biggest dangers facing our wildlife today.
“Our staff deal with thousands of incidents each year where animals have been affected by carelessly discarded rubbish, and what you are seeing is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
“Sadly, for every animal we can help, there are probably many that go unseen, unreported, and may even lose their lives.
“Animals that have their heads or necks trapped in rubbish can suffer serious injuries as they struggle to free themselves and may even suffocate, while others will become increasingly weak as they try to hunt or find food or water.
“Our message to the public is simple: do the right thing and throw away your trash to prevent more animals from suffering.”