The RSPCA has intervened to rescue a goose found in a Bradford park with a plastic ring tightly wrapped around its neck, highlighting ongoing concerns about the impact of discarded litter on local wildlife. The incident took place in Wibsey Park on Thursday, 10 April, when a member of the public noticed the distressed bird and alerted the charity.

Animal Rescue Officers Aleesha Haddlesey and Hannah Westen responded promptly to the call, managing to safely capture the goose. They carefully removed the plastic ring, which is believed to have originated from the wheel of a baby buggy, before releasing the bird unharmed back into its natural environment.

Speaking to Rayo, Hannah Westen emphasised the potential severity of such situations: “It could have been fatal for the goose and it was fortunate the animal was spotted and caught before the plastic ring could inflict any lasting harm. Litter can have such a detrimental impact on our wildlife which is why it’s so important that people dispose of it responsibly.”

This incident forms part of a broader issue with litter affecting animal welfare, as demonstrated by recent RSPCA data. Last year, the charity received 2,199 reports from across England and Wales relating to animals harmed by rubbish. The Bradford case is one of several litter-related rescues undertaken by the charity in the North of England last week.

The RSPCA’s response underscores the ongoing challenges posed by discarded waste in public spaces and its harmful effects on wildlife populations across the region.

Source: Noah Wire Services