Duck entangled in litter evades capture

Frustration as mallard duck is caused unnecessary distress

31.01.12

Thank you to the many people in Worcester who have reported their concerns about a female mallard duck who has a plastic can holder stuck in her mouth and around the back of her neck.

Despite attempts by RSPCA officers and local swan rescue to capture the distressed bird, she has so far evaded capture as she is still mobile and able to fly.

We are continuing our attempts to try to catch the duck and are planning a boat rescue this week, but there is no guarantee of success.
 

The duck is often seen on the river near Worcester City Football Club, St George's Lane.

The first reported call came in over a week ago on Thursday, 19 January.
 

'It is likely she will be having great difficulty in feeding'

RSPCA Chief Inspector Lee Hopgood who has been involved with the rescue attempts so far said:

We are concerned for the welfare of this duck, but from experience we know how difficult she is going to be to catch.

She is very wary of humans and the more attempts are made to catch her, the more wary she becomes.

It looks like she can still drink, but it is likely she will be having great difficulty in feeding.

Sadly it may not be until she starts to deteriorate in condition and strength before we have any real chance of catching her.

 

Litter can be lethal for animals and yet is entirely preventable

We are extremely frustrated that an act of sheer laziness has resulted in this mallard duck’s unnecessary suffering.

Lee continued:

The most frustrating thing about this whole situation and other similar incidents we have dealt with in the past is that this bird's suffering was entirely preventable.

This poor duck is in this distressing position because someone couldn't be bothered to put their litter in a bin.

A casually dropped piece of litter can have devastating consequences for our wildlife.

We are so fortunate in this country to have so many fascinating species of birds and other wild animals that live in our parks and countryside.

It is a well known pastime for families to take children to feed the ducks and birds in parks, and yet people are so thoughtless and careless about dropping litter which can injure, kill and maim wildlife.

I hope people will learn from this incident and dispose of their rubbish properly.

 

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Litter costs lives

Did you know?

• We receive over 7,000 calls each year about litter-related incidents.
   
• We regularly rescue all kinds of animals trapped or injured by litter.

How you can help 

Little things such as cutting the loops of plastic can holders before putting into a rubbish or recycling bin can help to prevent incidents like this and save an animal's life.

Find out more ways you can help in our advice page - litter costs lives.
 

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