County Durham amongst highest in country for weapon attacks on cats
The RSPCA's released new data
The RSPCA is urging cat owners to be extra vigilant after new figures show that the moggies are increasingly being targeted with air guns - with County Durham a hot spot for weapon incidents.
New data from the animal charity reveals that last year, there was a 30 percent increase in reported airgun attacks on cats across England and Wales, with 70 incidents being flagged to the RSPCA compared to 54 in 2023.
It also revealed that County Durham generated amongst the highest number of incidents relating to animals attacked by air guns, catapults or crossbows, with 20 reports received between 2022 and 2024.
The warning comes as the RSPCA's 'Summer Cruelty Appeal’ continues, raising vital 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.
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.”
The RSPCA is working in partnership with other agencies.
Geoff added: “We are doing all we can to change things. With more and more police forces seeing worrying levels of weapons-related incidents - including those involving young people.
“Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals - including severe injuries often leading to death.
“This is why we need our supporters to back our 'Summer Cruelty Appeal’ so we can keep tackling this horrific trend and continue to take action against cruelty.”