The RSPCA have been called more than 100 times in Cumbria over the past four years over reports of animals affected by litter.

103 reports were made by members of the public of animals with injuries caused by litter.

Last year, a group of children was observed to be fishing near a family of swans, reportedly using sweetcorn as bait at Hammonds Pond, Carlisle. 

Tragically, one of the cygnets ingested the sweetcorn along with the hook, causing the fishing line to become entangled and trapping the cygnet.

The incident has raised concerns amongst local residents about the disregard for wildlife and the lack of enforcement in the area, particularly due to it being the second cygnet death in a week.

RSPCA anti-litter campaigns manager Carrie Stones said: “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 hedgehogs, deer and foxes.

“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 may even lose their lives.

“But the public can help us protect animals, and avoid these incidents happening in the first place.”