PSA: Cut The Straps Of Your Face Masks After Use In Order To Protect Animal Friends
Take note, folks! The birdies will thank you.
Face masks have become an integral part of our lives in this day and age
The Malaysian government has even implemented a RM1,000 fine for individuals found violating the mandatory face mask ruling effective 1 August.
However, many of us may overlook how irresponsible disposal of face masks can affect other living beings.
Recently, the UK Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) found a gull with its feet tied up in a face mask.
BBC reported that the animal was found struggling to walk in Chelmsford, Essex.
RSPCA inspector Adam Jones noted that this gull could be the first of many victims.
He said, "Now face masks are compulsory for many situations, there will be more and more being irresponsibly discarded and wild animals and birds will become tangled in the elastic straps. I'm concerned that this gull could be the first of many victims now that face masks are the norm."
For the sake of the animals and Mother Nature, people are now spreading awareness on the issue and imploring others to cut the straps of their masks before disposal
Canadian content creators @swon.studios on Instagram have created this widely shared post to spread awareness on the issue.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) also stresses proper disposal of face masks to avoid transmission of diseases.
Single-use masks must be replaced with a new one as soon as it is damp and re-use is highly discouraged.
