The ring was wrapped so tightly, experts said the bird would have been prevented from eating. (Picture: RSPCA Cymru)

If there was ever a picture to make people think twice about littering, this is it.

A duck died this week after a plastic ring became wedged over its head and around its beak – slowly killing it.

The ring was wrapped so tightly, experts said the bird would have been prevented from eating.

Animal rights campaigners said the duck was in ‘severe pain’ and starving to death when they found it.

They are now urging people to ensure plastic is properly recycled or binned.

Speaking after discovering the bird in a lake in Abertillery, South Wales, RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said it ‘must have been extremely painful’.

He later took the duck to a local vets where it had to be put to sleep.

The plastic ring is believed to have come from the top of an oil can.

Mr Evans said: ‘This poor duck would have sadly starved to death and would have experienced painful suffering for a long period of time if we hadn’t intervened.

‘The plastic ring looked like it could have been the safety ring from the top of an oil can, it was completely around the duck’s head and stuck in his beak.

‘It must have been extremely painful.

‘It’s really shocking and sad to see wildlife suffer in this way, when it could have been easily preventable.

‘This is why we always ask people to please dispose of their waste responsibly.’