Entanglement in fishing gear, litter, fencing, and agricultural materials causes significant suffering and mortality in wildlife. Prevention through responsible disposal and gear design, and effective rescue response, are key welfare priorities.
Key Facts
An estimated 300,000 cetaceans die in fishing nets annually worldwide
Seabirds, seals, and turtles are particularly vulnerable to plastic entanglement
Garden netting, football goal nets, and agricultural fencing cause hedgehog, deer, and bird entanglement
Six-pack rings and other plastic packaging can encircle and constrict growing animals
Ghost fishing by lost or discarded gear continues to entangle marine life long after loss
Entanglement causes wounds, restriction of movement, starvation, and drowning
Welfare Considerations
Animals entangled in gear or litter experience prolonged suffering — the entanglement may tighten over time or restrict feeding, causing slow starvation, and the inability to flee from predators creates chronic stress. Marine entanglement rescue requires specialist equipment and training; whale disentanglement is dangerous and should only be attempted by trained teams. Terrestrial entanglement victims including hedgehogs in netting or deer in fencing can sometimes be freed by members of the public but should be assessed by wildlife vets for injury. Preventing entanglement through design changes and responsible disposal is the most effective intervention.
What You Can Do
Cut up plastic rings, netting, and other entanglement hazards before disposal
Roll up garden netting when not in use and choose wildlife-friendly alternatives
Retrieve lost fishing lines and tackle and dispose of properly to prevent wildlife entanglement
Support fishing gear recovery and marking programs that reduce ghost fishing
Report entangled wildlife to RSPCA, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, or local wildlife rescue
Advocate for bans on single-use plastics and improved gear design requirements in fishing regulations