RSPCA issues warning over COVID masks

A side-effect of Greater Brisbane’s spike in medical mask-wearing has led to an urgent warning from RSPCA Queensland.

A new warning about medical masks has been issued by the RSPCA, with a surge in animals being entrapped by them.

According to RSPCA Queensland, the organisation has been receiving a “significant increase in rescue call-outs to wildlife tangled in small waste and in particular, disposable medical masks”.

The warning comes as people across the Brisbane, Logan, Redlands and Moreton regions use an unprecedented amount of medical masks following the latest COVID-19 outbreak.

The RSPCA is urging people to cut the ear straps of their disposable medical masks as the organisations receives a surge in reports wildlife are being tangled in them. Picture: RSPCA (England and Wales)

“An ibis was found with a mask wrapped around its leg and walking with a limp near the Queensland Art Gallery over the weekend,” the RSPCA announced today.

While an RSPCA Animal Ambulance responded they could not find the entangled bird.

“Entanglements are a killer,” the RSPCA said.

“No matter where you’re disposing of your mask take a moment to snip the straps.”

Animals becoming tangled in disposable masks has also become an issue in other countries, including the UK, where a seabird was found with both its legs tightly tangled.

If you see a sick, injured, orphaned or trapped animal, call our 24/7 RSPCA emergency line on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625).

More local news:

‘Disgraceful’ conditions for Caboolture pets revealed

Named and shamed: Shocking animal abusers revealed

Men investigated by RSPCA for hitting their dogs