The SSPCA is urging the people of Lanarkshire to be aware of the dangers sporting equipment left in gardens poses to visiting wildlife.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has received an increasing number of calls to their helpline in the last few weeks of wildlife, such as hedgehogs, foxes, and birds, being injured in gardens.
In some cases, animals were thankfully able to be released after veterinary treatment.
But sadly others weren't as lucky and had to be put to sleep due to the extent of their injuries, or even died before the society’s animal rescue officers arrived.
SSPCA animal rescue officer Amy Stirton told Lanarkshire Live : "Of course, we want the public to enjoy themselves this summer, but now the nice weather has hit people are spending more time doing activities in their gardens that can cause problems for wildlife.
"Recently I’ve attended jobs where fledglings have been stuck in paddling pools and hot tubs.
"The birds have nearly drowned and are hypothermic by the time they are found. They then have to be taken to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre to recover from being waterlogged, or have, heartbreakingly, had to be put to sleep.
"I have also attended incidents of hedgehogs and a fox cub becoming trapped in football netting.
"Hedgehogs have been quite regular visitors to gardens over the last few weeks. Sadly, only one survived their ordeal.
"Another was dead on arrival as it had been strangled by the net, and three have had to be put to sleep due to the extent of their injuries despite our best efforts to save them.
"Luckily, the fox cub I rescued hadn’t been caught in the net long enough for the netting to cut in, however there is still a risk of compartment syndrome once they are freed. The cub is still receiving on going treatment.
"I even attended a magpie rescue where a bird had got stuck in a barbecue.
"The poor thing had managed to completely de-glove its leg trying to get out, which would have been very painful and distressing for the bird."
Amy added: "Simply tidying away any football and badminton netting, fishing equipment, paddling pools and securing hot tubs could be the difference between life and death for some of Scotland’s wildlife.
"Please enjoy the summer months, but also be vigilant so that visiting wildlife can too.
"If anyone does discover any injured wildlife, please contact our helpline immediately on 03000 999 999."
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