NFU Scotland pleads with public after calf chokes on crisp bag
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The countryside continues to be used as a dumping ground as reports of fly-tipping still rising, says NFU Scotland.
Cases this week have included the death of a young calf that choked on a crisp bag.
NFU Scotland's animal health and welfare policy manager, Penny Middleton, said: "It is so disappointing to see people continuing to use our beautiful countryside as a giant tip.
"Animals are naturally curious and will investigate foreign objects left in their environment.
"Hazards can include injury from sharp edges and protruding objects, or the risk of becoming caught up or entangled in waste materials.
"Lead poisoning can be quite common where car batteries or other waste materials are dumped.
"Substances like antifreeze are attractive to animals but extremely toxic.
"Of immediate concern is the amount of garden waste now being dumped. Plants like yew or rhododendron will quickly cause death in cattle and sheep if eaten.
"Similarly, grass cuttings pose a significant danger to horses.
"The plea to the public, for the health of livestock and wildlife, is please store your waste until lockdown is over then dispose of it responsibly."
Five of Scotland’s leading rural and environmental organisations – NFU Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates, Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Zero Waste Scotland – recently issued a joint statement recently in relation to the rise in fly-tipping.
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