The RSPCA has issued a renewed warning on the hazards of plastic bags and litter to wildlife, following an incident where a crow became entangled on an aerial.
On Saturday, June 1st, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) crew from Morriston Fire Station was called to assist in the rescue of a crow that was entangled on an aerial of a two-storey terraced property. The bird’s leg had become trapped in a plastic bag on the aerial and MAWWFRS crews utilised an aerial appliance to free the bird. The crow was then handed to RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie West to be assessed and cared for.
“This crow was well and truly entangled and was clearly in distress,” said Ellie. “We’re very thankful to the Fire and Rescue Service who attended and used their specialist equipment to reach the bird on the roof which was two-storeys high. Using their aerial platform they were able to release the crow and bring him down safely. The crow had a plastic bag wrapped around its left leg and when trying to escape he had become even more entangled. His left leg had a wound, but he was thankfully in a good body condition and was active despite his ordeal.”
Thankfully after receiving treatment and fluids, the crow was released back into the wild.
Ellie continued:
“The crow’s wound had healed well overnight and he flew well on a test flight. I was then able to release him at the location. He was a young bird who had recently left the nest, and his parents were around during the rescue. When he was released, they came to see him and they flew off together, which was lovely to see. We all want to see wildlife thriving in our communities - but unfortunately we see a lot of birds trapped in or behind netting - and the major causes of this can be plastic litter. Birds can suffer a long and painful death from injury or starvation if they’re unable to escape, so we’re very pleased that this crow was released from its predicament successfully. We’d like to thank those who called this in, and to the Fire and Rescue Service for their kindness and expertise.”
Disposing of rubbish correctly and cutting down on single-use plastics like carrier bags can help reduce incidents of this kind occurring. If you come across an animal in need, the RSPCA has more information on what to do on its website.
The RSPCA celebrated its 200th birthday recently. To mark this special anniversary the animal welfare charity wants to inspire one million people to join their movement to improve animals' lives and one volunteering project is the RSPCA Wildlife Friends who are making a difference for the nation's wildlife.
