The RSPCA has condemned as totally irresponsible the littering into a field of cows in Paulton.

In shocking photos, cows in the field were nosing a heap of charity bags thrown into the land in Paulton.

The dump was captured by a resident, who said that the cows, in a field

at the back of Paulton batch, started to try and eat them.

The RSPCA responded to seeing these photos by calling them appalling and saying that they hoped that animals did not ingest any plastic.

The charity has released some new warnings about littering, as it is increasingly being called to tackle the growing problem of abandoned face masks.

Warnings include:

Animals looking for food can get trapped in tin cans and the sharp edges can cause injury. We encourage people to clean and empty food containers before pinching them shut or cutting them in half before putting them in the recycling.

Elastic bands also pose a big risk to small animals and birds as they can wrap around their bodies or beaks and cause choking and other injuries. We encourage people to reuse them where possible or cut them open before throwing them away.

Broken glass can cause serious injury and small animals can get trapped in jars and bottles so please clean and recycle glass as much as possible.

Plastic bags can suffocate animals or, if they eat them, can cause them to choke or can block their digestive system. Please tie bags in knots before recycling. And plastic can holders can cause deep wounds to animals that get tangled in them or can even choke them so it's best to cut the loops before discarding.

Face masks have become a new hazard to wildlife since the pandemic started and the animal charity has received reports of animals tangled in the ear straps of single-use masks since it became law for the public to wear them in shops. We encourage people to snip the straps and dispose of them responsibly.

The RSPCA's top tips to protect wildlife from litter:

Recycle and reuse as much as possible - and put everything else in the bin;

Cut the loop handles of plastic carrier bags before recycling to prevent animals being tangled;

Cut plastic can holders and elastic bands so animals can't get caught up;

Cut up balloons before putting them in the bin;

Cut up disposable gloves and snip the straps on face masks to prevent animals getting tangled;

Clean and empty containers after use and pinch cans shut or cut containers in half before recycling.

For more information visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter.