Farm animals at risk as Midlothian records 160 fly-tipping reports

Around 160 reports of fly-tipping in Midlothian have prompted farmers and animal-welfare groups to warn that illegal dumping is endangering livestock and wildlife. Midlothian Council waste teams responded to incidents between March and the end of July. Dumped items included tyres, household rubbish, car batteries and plastics. At Roman Camp Holdings in Gorebridge, owner Audrey Dyer said her family frequently has to remove plastic and debris from animals’ mouths before they can swallow, and hazardous waste like abandoned batteries could prove lethal. The Midlothian Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation group supports the council’s anti-fly-tipping campaign, saying hedgehogs are often trapped or harmed by dumped materials. The council says penalties range from a £500 fixed notice to fines up to £40,000.