AN East Huntspill animal charity is warning residents about the dangers plastics pose to animals following a recent spike in animals suffering plastic related injuries.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue said over the last month they have rescued three animals with life threatening injuries which they sustained from plastic materials.

The charity is now calling on residents to use outdoor plastic materials responsibly.

Pauline Kidner, founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue, said: “Thanks to our animal care team, all of the animals we’ve rescued with plastic-related injuries recently have survived.

"However, these kinds of rescues are far too common, and a lot of the cases we deal with are preventable.

“Without intervention by us, the animals wouldn’t survive. I understand that some forms of plastic are required for garden and house use, but we would like to encourage everyone to think about the impact it might have on animals nearby.

“We’d particularly like to encourage people to pick up any plastic waste material, such as plastic carrier bags, wrappers or discarded fishing line, in public areas and dispose of it in a bin.”

Last month the charity was called to a garden in Spaxton to rescue a heron trapped in pond netting.

The plastic netting was used by the homeowners to protect the fish in their pond.

Thankfully, the charity’s team were able to untangle the distressed bird and release it back into the wild.

The charity says certain types of plastic materials pose greater danger to different animals.

Plastic wiring and netting are particularly hazardous to birds.

“Birds are quite erratic, so they easily can become trapped by the smallest amount of netting," Pauline said.

"As they try to escape, they become more entangled.

"At that point, without professional attention, they’ll suffer a long and slow death, most likely by a lack of blood circulation or by suffocation."

Last year, the charity rescued over 5,000 injured, sick and orphaned animals.

For advice or information on how to look after wild animals or if you would like to report injured wildlife call 01278 783 250.