Latest news with #airgunattacks
The Independent
6 days ago
- The Independent
Cat shot five times amid rise in air rifle attacks
RSPCA data reveals a 30 per cent increase in air gun attacks on cats in the last year, with 70 incidents reported in 2024. The charity has also noted a surge in other weapon attacks on animals, including pets and farm animals, using catapults and crossbows. These attacks cause horrific pain and suffering, often resulting in severe injuries or death, with rescue cat Ronnie found screaming in pain after being found with five air gun pellets in him. Overall, nearly 500 weapon attacks on animals have been reported to the RSPCA over the past three years, with catapult incidents doubling this year compared to last. The RSPCA has launched its 'Summer Cruelty Appeal' and is supporting 'Operation Lakeshot' to combat these cruel incidents.
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
RSPCA warns cat owners of summer air gun attacks
The RSPCA is urging cat owners to be extra vigilant after new figures show the pets are increasingly being targeted with air year, there was a a 30% increase in reported airgun attacks on cats, with 70 incidents flagged to the RSPCA compared to 54 in 2023, according to the animal charity. It said there was a "worrying upward trend" of cats being also being attacked with other weapons, including catapults and the South East, between 2022 and 2024, there were 51 attacks using air guns, catapults and crossbows on all types of animals, with the highest number in the country in Kent, with 32 incidents. In the same period, there were nine reported attacks in Surrey, seven in West Sussex, and three in East Sussex. In Greater London, there were 31 reported attacks. 'Pain and suffering' RSPCA wildlife partnerships manager Geoff Edmond said: "Weapon attacks on animals are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg."It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for fun - or to harm them for target practice."These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering." One incident reported to the charity was of a moorhen and a goose, which died after being shot with ball bearings from catapults in Greenhithe, Kent, in moorhen was found dead with severe wounds, while the goose also had serious injuries and had to be put to sleep, it added. The charity has released the figures to raise awareness of its summer cruelty appeal, as it said attacks on animals are reported more at this time of year than any said it also welcomed Kent Police's catapult crackdown initiative, to tackle the use of catapults to harm people and wildlife or cause criminal damage.
