Devon cat owners urged to be vigilant after rise in attacks
Shocking new figures show the animals are being increasingly attacked with weapons.
The RSPCA is urging cat owners in Devon to be extra vigilant after shocking new figures show that the nation’s moggies are increasingly being targeted with air guns.
New data from the animal charity reveals that last year, 5 cats in Devon were victim to an attack with weapons like air guns, catapults and crossbows. Now there are worries it's only going to get worse.
Across the country, there was a 30% increase in reported airgun attacks on cats, with 70 incidents being flagged to the RSPCA compared to 54 in 2023.
The warning comes as the RSPCA's 'Summer Cruelty Appeal’ continues, raising funds to support animals experiencing cruelty - including victims of weapons attacks.
The charity’s new data reveals that between 2022 and 2024, there were 497 incidents reported to the RSPCA involving air guns, catapults and crossbows used to target all types of animals.
Counties with the highest number of incidents over that three year period include Kent (32), Greater London (31), Durham (20), Essex (18), Cheshire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and West Midlands (16 each), plus Greater Manchester, Somerset and West Yorkshire (15 each).
With the RSPCA receiving more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year, the charity has released the figures as part of its 'Summer Cruelty Appeal’ to raise awareness of the plight of many animals at this time of year.
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.
“There’s huge concern about the growing incidents of catapult attacks on wild birds such as swans, but air guns remain by far the most likely weapon to be used on an animal.
“It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we’ve received nearly 500 reports about all kinds of weapon attacks on animals over the past three years.
“While most people will be appalled by animals being attacked in this way, sadly the RSPCA’s experience shows that some deliberately target wildlife, pets and farm animals with guns, catapults and crossbows - presumably for ‘laughs’. But these weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.”