LETHAL litter is maiming and killing animals.

That is the stark warning from the RSPCA, which has revealed that the number of injuries to animals from litter rose alarmingly in England and Wales last year.

More than 7,000 animals were rescued or collected by the RSPCA after falling foul of discarded litter a leap of 23.5 per cent.

Martyn Hubbard, superintendent for the RSPCA's East Central region, which covers Buckinghamshire, said: "We are very disappointed by the unexplained leap in the number of animals coming into our care because of litter related injuries.

"Not only is it distressing for the animals but the RSPCA officers are spending more and more time dealing with incidents that are so easily avoidable.

"If people thought carefully before they dumped their rubbish many animals would be saved from injury and death."

Now the animal charity has launched a Lethal Litter campaign to encourage people to dispose of rubbish carefully.

The RSPCA is also lobbying local authorities and landowners to clean up litter blackspots.

Wild birds and animals, such as, hedgehogs and foxes are frequently injured or maimed by discarded rubbish.

In one incident a swan was injured after a discarded fishing hook became stuck in its left foot.

The RSPCA's Lethal Litter advice is:

Cut open the loops on plastic binding holding beer and soft drink cans together so animals do not become tangled in them

Cut plastic bottles in half so small animals like mice cannot get tangled up in them

Dispose of broken glass carefully

Tie a knot in plastic bags so animals cannot get inside them and suffocate

Fisherman should take home unwanted fishing line and hooks

Do not take part in balloon releases as animals often mistake them for food.