Air gun attacks on the rise - alarming new stats released today

Today, the RSPCA is releasing stats which show an increase in the severity and frequency of air gun attacks on animals.

Hundreds of animals are needlessly suffering as reckless air gun users continue to take pot shots at animals.

Every year, especially during the summer, RSPCA centres are overrun with animals who have been victimised in these cruel and callous attacks.

Throughout last year, the RSPCA dealt with 567 complaints, collections and rescues regarding air gun incidents - 135 of those were between January and April. During the same period this year, it has already dealt with 165 cases and the charity fears the numbers may continue to soar during the summer months.*

Cats are the most frequent victims of air gun attacks but dogs, birds and wildlife have also been injured in this heartless way.

However, we're worried that many cases go unreported or some owners may never know what has happened to their pet as injured animals usually look for a quiet wooded or sheltered area in which to die.

Therefore, these alarming stats may only be the tip of the iceberg.

RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital director David Grant has been treating animals suffering wounds inflicted by air guns for nearly 43 years. 

He said: “We’re seeing far too many animals being brought in for treatment after they have suffered life-threatening injuries.

“The severity of injuries inflicted by air guns has increased dramatically. Modern air guns have immense power and the pellets are not being embedded on the surface of the cat, as I used to regularly deal with, but are now passing through the body and smashing bones to smithereens.

A new offence was introduced earlier this year to drive down the number of under 18s who are accessing air guns.*

From February this year, owners have been liable for a fine of up to £1,000 if they do not take steps to prevent people under the age of 18 accessing their air gun. Safety leaflets are also now issued with every air gun purchased.

I make no secret of how much I adore my cat. I can't even imagine what it would be like to lose him in such a horrific manner. He isn't a big fan of the outside and has only occasionally strayed out of our garden on his own - which I must say I am relieved about given that a shop selling air guns is just around the corner. My heart goes out to anyone who loses a much-loved pet due to the heartless actions of others.

Here’s just some of the cases the RSPCA has picked up the pieces for already so far this year.

Ginger Tom Benny was nearly paralysed when he was shot with an air gun and the pellet narrowly missed his spine.  Owner Mandy Chesterton found Benny near her home with blood pouring from a wound near his leg. He was immediately rushed to a vet for treatment.

Mandy said: “I am just shocked that someone would shoot at an innocent animal. Benny is now quite nervous about going out and he keeps just staying in the garden.”

An elderly cat was repeatedly shot with an air gun which left five lead pellets lodged in his back leg. Vets were able to remove one of the pellets from 17-year-old Aslan’s leg but a vet did not want to risk operating on him due to his old age.

Owner Mrs Copland said: “I’m not convinced he’ll ever be right again now, not at his age. I’m afraid to let him out on his own because if he manages to get over the fence, I’m not sure he’ll be able to get back again. It’s disconcerting to think that somebody’s out there shooting at things. You just don’t know why they did it.”

Six-month-old tabby Marley suffered a broken leg after he was shot with an air gun at close range. Vets removed the pellet and his leg had to be pinned while he was on cage rest and recovering from his ordeal.

Owner Emma Gibson said:  “My daughter was the one who found Marley lying in the garden and it really upset her to find our cat in this way.”

To report an air gun incident, or any other form of animal cruelty, call the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.