RSPCA warns of increase in cats being targeted in weapon attacks
The charity say incidents have doubled in the first half of this year
The RSPCA is warning cat owners in the South to be extra-vigilant this summer, after new figures suggest the pets are being increasingly targeted in deliberate weapon attacks.
New data from the animal charity reveals that the number of cats shot with an air gun, catapult/slingshot or crossbow has more than doubled in the first six months of this year - with 44 incidents across the county, compared to 18 in the same period in 2023.
It's not just cats being targeted either, with concerns that wildlife is being affected too.
Overall, there has also been a 23% year-on-year increase in the total number of animals targeted by weapons, up from 300 in 2022 in England and Wales to 370 last year.
Wild birds are the common species targeted, with attacks on dogs, foxes and hedgehogs also reported.
In the last four years (2020 to 2023) there were 55 incidents of weapons being used against animals in Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex.
RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said:
“These weapon attacks 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’ like this - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we receive nearly 200 reports every year.
“While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly the RSPCA’s experience shows that there are people out there who are deliberately targeting wildlife, pets and farm animals with guns, catapults and crossbows. These weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.
“But we are doing all we can to change things. As more and more police forces are seeing worrying levels of weapons-related incidents, we are helping to develop Operation Lakeshot, a police-led partnership initiative initially established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police, which aims to tackle these worrying crimes against wildlife.”
The RSPCA receives more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year.
The charity's launched its 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal' to help animals as abuse reaches a peak.