March 6 news, according to foreign reports, new data shows that hundreds of animals have been injured or trapped in the garbage in Leicestershire, England. The shocking findings come as the RSPCA warns of the growing dangers of discarding e-cigarettes, which pose a real threat to wildlife.

RSPCA figures show there were 164 incidents of animals becoming entangled or injured in rubbish in Leicestershire over the three-year period 2020-2022. This is the third highest number in the East Midlands, with Nottinghamshire leading the way with 236 incidents and Lincolnshire second with 227 incidents. Derbyshire and Northamptonshire received 137 and 108 calls respectively.

Across the UK, the RSPCA received 10,483 calls, an average of almost 10 a day. The waste involved varies, but the amount of discarded e-cigarettes affecting animals is increasing.

E-cigarettes contain a variety of materials and toxic substances, including plastics, lithium and nicotine. All of these can be dangerous to animals and the RSPCA warns people need to dispose of them safely.

The warnings intensified after an RSPCA team spotted squirrels playing with discarded e-cigarettes. RSPCA science officer Evie Button called on people to consider animal welfare.

She said: "Litter is one of the biggest hazards facing wildlife today, and new hazards like these discarded e-cigarettes will only increase the risk to animals. Our staff deal with thousands of incidents of animals being affected by litter every year - and what they're seeing may just be the tip of the iceberg.

"Sadly, for every animal we are able to help, there are likely many more that are unseen, unreported, and may even lose their lives. Animals with their head or neck stuck in trash may suffer as they try to break free. serious injury and possibly suffocation, while other animals slowly become weaker and weaker as they try to hunt or find food or water."

Last year the charity was called out 3,042 times to help animals affected by litter across the UK. Some of the worst affected include a fox in London who was lucky enough to survive after his head became lodged in a discarded plastic bottle, and a duck in Runcorn that became entangled in an old dog's toy.

Ms Barton said the smallest amount of litter could kill an animal. She said: "These hazards can quickly become a matter of life and death for these animals, and action is urgently needed to tackle this problem head-on. It's up to each of us to do our part in the war against trash.