Campaigners are calling for ring-shaped frisbees to be removed from sale on the Lincolnshire coast due to the risk they pose to seals and other wildlife.
Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary has warned that the toys, which do not decompose, can become trapped around the necks of animals as they grow, causing severe injury or even death. The centre said the problem is not limited to the coast, with foxes, badgers and birds also at risk.
Although East Lindsey District Council cannot ban specific products, it has confirmed that those caught littering on beaches or in public spaces face a £250 penalty.
The UK Seal Alliance, a national coalition of wildlife groups, is also urging local authorities to introduce voluntary bans on ring nets, also known as ring frisbees. Some councils, including Neath Port Talbot in South Wales, have already taken this step.
Major retailers, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Asda, as well as stores near the coast, and Pets at Home have stopped selling the items. Campaigners hope wider voluntary action will reduce the risk to wildlife while raising public awareness of the issue.
The call comes despite relatively few reported injuries locally, with the seal sanctuary crediting community litter-pickers for helping prevent more cases.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Chapeleiro
