LITTER CAN POSE HAZARD TO ANIMALS

Dr. Michael Klaper tells the following story: He was walking down a road. A man in a truck threw a paper cup out of the window. Dr. Klaper picked up the cup and took it to the man. He asked, "Where did you think you were throwing this?" The man answered, "Away." Unfortunately, some people in our community don't realize that what you do affects those around you.

When you litter, it affects wildlife and the animals whose owners allow them to roam. Consider just a few of the dangers: Pieces of Styrofoam (cups, packing materials, etc.) can choke an animal or clog the digestive tract. With digestion prevented, the animal will slowly die.Plastic six-pack holders can get caught around an animal's leg, paw or neck. Being tangled in this manner can cause broken bones, sprains or strangulation. Please cut your plastic six-pack holders apart or at least clip each of the circles (don't forget the middles of the rings).

Metal pop-tabs from cans and bottle caps can cut inside an animal's mouth, throat or digestive tract. This litter can cause internal bleeding, blockage and death.

Cigarette butts are one of the most disgusting types of litter as many smokers just throw them away without thinking of the possible consequences. Cigarettes contain hazardous toxins such as tars, nicotine and cyanide. Filters also contain toxic fiberglass, which can cut up digestive tracts. Chewing on, swallowing or even drinking water that has absorbed the toxins of cigarette butts can make an animal sick. Just as secondhand smoke is dangerous for human beings, cigarettes and secondhand smoke are dangerous for animals.

One might think that food can be thrown away because it is "biodegradable." However, even bits of food are dangerous for animals. The sugar in candy causes diarrhea, vomiting and eventually can cause diabetes. Splinters from meat bones can puncture digestive tracts and block intestines. Bacteria and toxic buildup in rotting food like apple cores can cause digestive problems, and the resulting trauma can lead to an animal's death.

Animals can choke on stray plastic bags or balloons that may block the digestive tract if swallowed. If the animal does not chew on the plastic, he or she may climb inside the bag and suffocate. Tin and aluminum lids and cans may have sharp edges that could cut an animal, especially if they stick a paw or nose inside searching for food scraps.

Nylon fish line and hooks can cause problems in the digestive tract if swallowed, and hooks can cause cuts and severe pain if caught in an animal's paw. Fishing nets are often deadly for unintended victims who become tangled in the nets.

In addition to being dangerous for animals, littering is unsightly and inconsiderate. Please do not litter. Deposit trash in covered containers to discourage animals from getting into the trash. If you find litter on the ground in parks, along the roadside, by a stream or in the mountains, pick it up. You may be saving an animal's life.

For more information, contact Salt Lake County Animal Services Education Program at 264-2247, or send a SASE with your specific request to Salt Lake County Animal Services, 511 W. 3900 South, Salt Lake City UT 84123. Remember, Animal Services always has a variety of wonderful animals available for adoption.