Carelessness kills: Simple advice from a Sheffield litter picker can save small animals

A Sheffield man, who regularly goes on a litter-picking routine in Peak District, has expressed his concerns after field mice were found dead in discarded drink bottles.
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Justin Pettifar, of Nether Edge, said it has become a familiar sight for him as the dead animals were also found in an empty crisps packet discarded at the park.

In a Facebook post, the 42-year-old father-of-three said he made one of the discoveries when he went on a two-hour litter-picking along Ringinglow Road from Norfolk Arms to Burbage Brick and back last Sunday.

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"Found a drink bottle with three dead field mice inside. They crawl inside to drink and then unable to get out again," he wrote.

Dead field mice found in a discarded drink bottleDead field mice found in a discarded drink bottle
Dead field mice found in a discarded drink bottle

Speaking to The Star, Justin, who is a member of Sheffield Litter Pickers, said: "One day, I found three dead mice in a bottle, and the other day I found four in a crisps packet. I also found one dead mice in another bottle.

"I know that this thing happens and this is one of the main reasons why I litter pick at the Peak District.

"Because I know that it can and does happen and it's just tragic. It is totally unnecessary," he said.

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Although Peak District is a treasured national park, it has become an eyesore as rubbish was strewn indiscriminately in the area.

Four dead field mice found dead in a crisps packetFour dead field mice found dead in a crisps packet
Four dead field mice found dead in a crisps packet

Mr Pettifar said he has seen a lot of discarded fast food wrappers, beer cans, soda cans and beer bottles.

He then urged the public, who plan to visit the park, to bring a plastic bag and discard their rubbish in it.

"I am sharing this as much as I can on social media to raise awareness and prevent people from dropping them in the first place and pick them up when they see them," he said.

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Mr Pettifar, who started an initiative called 'Love Our Streets' that allows residents to keep their streets clean with the help of volunteers, said environmental issue has always been something close to his heart.