Duck caught with plastic ring around its neck

When rubbish finds its way into parks and waterways it can be deadly for local wildlife. This poor duck is the perfect example of how disposing of something small can have life-threatening consequences.

RSPCA Rescue Officers Nalika and Soraya were called by a concerned member of the public who had spotted a distressed duck with a plastic ring around its neck waddling around outside Adelaide’s Bonython Park cafe.

On arrival, they noticed the ring was caught within the duck’s bill, preventing the poor bird from eating. If left unattended the bird could starve to death.

Trapped and in desperate need of help

On arrival at Bonython Park, both Nalika and Soraya were quick to spot the duck with a white ring wrapped tightly around its neck.

“These types of rescues are better when you have someone helping out, so Rescue Officer Soraya and I went out there. At first, we just tried to feed the duck to see how close it would come up to us. It was a bit weary because people had been trying to catch it,” she said.

“The duck was unable to open its bill so we had to change tactics. Next, we tried walking her into a semi-enclosed area at the care and then we are able to just corner it.”

After cutting the duck free of the chord, the two Rescue Officers noticed the duck was injured and would require medical attention. The plastic ring had dug its way into the duck’s bill, creating two nasty wounds.

The plastic had caused more damage than first thought

Nalika feared the duck’s wounds may be infected and quickly transported her to Adelaide’s Bird and Exotic Vet Centre.

“The duck was treated by Dr Anne Fowler, who quickly put her on a course of antibiotics. She is eating well but will need a couple of weeks to recuperate and complete treatment,” said Nalika.

“We are hoping to release her back at the same site in a few weeks’ time.”

It’s time to change our habits

Nalika has grown tired of animals being entangled in litter, saying that the smallest pieces of rubbish can cause an immense amount of pain.

“It doesn’t take much effort to dispose of your waste correctly. We have so many call-outs which involve animals caught in items, that are thoughtlessly tossed on the ground,” she said.

“At home, it’s always good to just cut the plastic rings of bottles so it can’t get caught on an unsuspecting animal. The same goes with facemasks – You don’t even need scissors to break the straps on disposable masks. Now that we are all wearing them it’s important to pull the straps apart before discarding them. “

Nalika says she can’t wait to see the duck return back home.

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