The RSPCA have rescued an unfortunate fox cub that had litter stuck around its neck for three weeks.
In pictures shared by the animal welfare organisation, the young fox can be seen with a large brown square block around his neck.
Members of the public had spotted the poor creature struggling around Acocks Green in Birmingham.
When rescue officers tracked him down, they found the poor cub in an emaciated state, with it having grown lethargic due to dehydration.
Advert
The obstruction was removed before the animal was taken to a wildlife centre for rehabilitation.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Cara Gibbon has spoken out about the circumstances of the unfortunate incident.
Gibbon said: "It is so sad and heartbreaking to know that this poor fox wouldn’t have been in this situation if someone had disposed of their litter correctly in the first place.
"Thankfully we were able to safely catch him and remove the litter and we transferred him to a wildlife centre where he was checked over.
Advert
"He was emaciated and dehydrated, likely because he hasn’t been able to eat or drink properly for three weeks – but thankfully he’s now getting the treatment he needs."
According to the RSPCA, there have been more than 10,000 calls over the past three years relating to animals being affected by litter.
Discarded litter trapping, mutilating or killing animals leads to an average of 10 reports a day.
In light of these shocking numbers, the charity are urging people to be more mindful about they dispose of their rubbish.
RSPCA scientific officer Evie Button said: "Litter is one of the biggest hazards our wildlife faces today.
Advert
"Our staff deal with thousands of incidents every year where animals have been impacted by carelessly discarded litter – and what they are seeing is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
"Sadly, for every animal we’re able to help, there are probably many that go unseen, unreported and may even lose their lives.
"Animals who get their heads or necks stuck in litter can suffer severe injuries as they struggle to break free and can even suffocate, while others will slowly grow weaker and weaker as they try to hunt or find food or water.
"Our message to the public is simple – do the right thing and throw your litter away to avoid more animals from suffering."
Advert
Research from Keep Britain Tidy found that British litter could be killing up to three million mice, shrew and voles each year.
The study had looked at bottles left discarded on roadsides and found that more than 8 percent contained animal remains.
Ben Thompson