AN ANIMAL charity is calling on people to stop littering the countryside after a bird almost died when it became trapped in a plastic bag dumped in a lake.

RSPCA Inspector Chris Heyworth rescued the gull from Rowley Lake, Burnley, when the carrier bag it got tangled up in filled with water and started to sink.

Inspector Heyworth said: "Fortunately we managed to wade in to rescue the bird and it was released once the bag was removed.

"However, many animals are not so lucky. Despite a frantic struggle, the bird could not take off when the bag started to fill with water.

"If a passer-by hadn't spotted the bird and called us, then it would have undoubtedly drowned." This incident and many others like it has caused the RSPCA to ask people to leave the countryside tidy in an attempt to stamp out summer suffering.

"Despite repeated appeals to the public to keep the countryside litter-free, the RSPCA rescues hundreds of animals suffering from serious injuries," said Jim Phillips, the RSPCA's Chief Veterinary Officer.

"Litter kills and injures animals every year, but with just a little care when packing-up after a picnic or a fishing trip such injuries and fatalities would not occur."

Mr Phillips also called on the public to help stamp out animal cruelty.

"We would also urge people to boycott zoos with poor standards and circuses with performing animals. Animals in these establishments, particularly circuses, suffer in the name of entertainment but without public support they will be forced to improve standards to survive."

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