Scots dog owners have been urged to pick up at least two pieces of litter during their daily walk throughout May.
The Scottish SPCA is supporting the Paws on Plastic campaign, which looks to highlight the impact that discarded rubbish has on the animal population.
Officers were called to out to more incidents involving animals and litter compared to figures recorded last year.
The animal welfare charity said that 118 reports were raised from January 1 to March 31 this year compared 99 during the same period in 2020.
Reports range from animals becoming trapped in a piece of rubbish or even ingesting it - which can become fatal.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Some litter is a choking hazard or can cause damage and restrict an animal’s ability to eat which can lead to starvation.
“We issue guidance and advice to the public asking them to be responsible around wild animals through out #WildlifeWise programme. The Paws on Plastic project is a fantastic extension of this and highlights the dangers litter can pose.
“We fully support Paws on Plastic and encourage people to take part. The positive effect it will have on wildlife and local communities will be tremendous.”
The Paws on Plastic initiative was started by environmental enthusiastic Marion Montgomery, who began the non-profit enterprise from her home as a way to combat the harmful effects of litter.
She has since grown the community involved in the campaign to more than 20,000 members worldwide.
Marion said: “ I started Paws on Plastic to help protect animals from the dangers of litter. As a responsible dog owner, I was walking my dogs with spare poo bags in my pocket and often noticed the same pieces of rubbish every day.
“It really just came to me that if I removed it, it made a difference and it could save a life. It’s just fantastic that so many dog owners have joined the cause and wish to do their own wee bit to protect animals and our precious environment.
“The beauty of it is that it only takes a minute when we’re out walking anyway but with 20,000 of us, it really does add up - to over 30 million pieces a year in fact!
“Our aim is that it becomes just a normal part of an everyday dog walk. All we ask is for a couple of pieces on every walk so it only takes a minute and is open to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.
“The bonus is that it has a double effect as studies show that when streets are clean, less litter is actually dropped as you remove the easy excuse that ‘everyone does it’.
“I’d encourage all dog owners across Scotland to join us.”
People taking part in the initiative should do so with caution and any children looking to participate should be accompanied by an adult.
The Scottish SPCA recommends that any litter is picked up with a dog bag or litter picker to avoid direct contact with dangerous items such as glass.
It has been advised that any findings of syringes should be reported to the local authority instead of being picked up.
More information on the Paws on Plastic campaign can be found here.
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