Hedgehogs harmed by discarded rubber bands

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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HEDGEHOGS are facing death on the borough's pavements due to postmen dropping elastic bands.

The animals are becoming dangerously tangled in the red rubber, which can cut into their flesh and put their lives at risk.

Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue, who take in animals from in and around Ongar, discovered one poorly creature who is fighting for his life after becoming trapped.

The creature was put under general anaesthetic to have the deeply-embedded band removed but it is still not clear whether it will survive.

David Knight, from the rescue centre, said they had several incidents of hedgehogs being brought to them suffering from similar complaints.

He said: "Royal Mail must instruct their postmen and women to not throw the elastic bands away on the street where hedgehogs and other wildlife get tangled up and injured by them. Or even better, replace them with harmless, wildlife-friendly alternatives."

The elastic bands are a common sight across pavements in Brentwood, used by postmen to hold together bundles of letters.

During the festive period, the volume of post and amount of elastic bands increases, putting more vulnerable animals at risk.

A spokesman for the Chelmsford, Brentwood & Mid Essex RSPCA said: "We are aware that this is a problem and would urge that elastic bands are disposed of responsibly as they can be a hazard to wildlife. We have raised it with the Royal Mail and they have agreed to address the issue by briefing their staff."

Although most hedgehogs are tucked away hibernating for the winter, when they venture out, they can mistake the bands for worms and become tangled.

Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said they were encouraging people to report any bands they see to the Royal Mail.

She said: "We have contacted Royal Mail about this problem and they have asked us to let people know that anyone finding problems with the number of bands being dropped in their area should report it to their Customer Care Advisors on 08457 740 740.

"The Delivery Office managers can then reiterate delivery procedures to staff that deliver in those areas, and instruct them to take greater care."

People can also help matters directly, by picking up any discarded bands and cutting them up before disposing of them properly.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "Royal Mail regularly stresses to its postmen and women the importance of avoiding litter and the vast majority of our rubber bands are recycled, with millions being re-used every week."

For more information about the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, visit their website at

[taurus88]

No-one wants hedgehogs to die.

But it's impossible to avoid the dropping of elastic bands when you go through hundreds of them. I drop mine into my pocket and take them back with me at the end of my shift, but I still see ones that have slipped out of my pocket along my walk the very next day. I pick them up when I see them, there's no more that can be done. Now, if RM had a better uniform that was suited to its purpose . . .

[DGP1]

ffs my cat kills more hedgehogs than the rubber bands (but then she's a one animal killing spree).

[noggin1969]

cars kill far more hedgehogs and other wildlife than elastic bands so perhaps we should ban them to

[Straight4ward]

Didn't realize it was 1st April today.

[BELIAL]

Fallujah Hedgehog rescue have also reported a couple of incidents involving depleted uranium.

[fishtank]

It's a feckin hedgehog ffs...basically a rat with spikes....and riddled with disease.
Epping Forest Hedgehog Rescue....is that for real?
Do they have flashing lights and SWAT teams?
Who pays for this s**t and are they mentally ill?

[BELIAL]

Not sure how you could work out if a hedgehog was bipolar?

[fishtank]

Not sure how you could work out if a hedgehog was bipolar?

That would be the one trying to hang itself with a red elastic band...i presume.

[Straight4ward]

hedgehog.jpg

[BELIAL]

Not sure how you could work out if a hedgehog was bipolar?

That would be the one trying to hang itself with a red elastic band...i presume.

Now you're just being silly cos that is such an improbable scenario.
The lack of any discernable neck would pose a problem for starters. Then there is the problem of constructing a knot in the band that would allow slippage and constriction . Then there is the problem of finding a suitable anchorage spot for the noose a problem compounded by the diminutive stature of hedgehogs in general and their noted lack of climbing skills combined with the perennial elasticity problem of rubber nooses.
Anyway it's an RM rubber band so it would probably snap

[Postman Plodd]

NEW HORROR! Spate of hedgehog blindings due to RM's shan laccy bands. Moya laughs and twiddles moustache evilly.

[malcolm3011]

ffs my cat kills more hedgehogs than the rubber bands (but then she's a one animal killing spree).

Anyone seen any harmless, wild friendly elastic bands lately? Cant believe a hedgehog can become entangled in royal mail rubber bands when they break as soon as you try and stretch them

[noggin1969]

m

[smokerjim]

Best use of a hedgehog I've ever seen...