The RSPCA is urging cat owners 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, there was a 30% increase in reported airgun attacks on cats, with 70 incidents being flagged to the RSPCA compared to 54 in 2023.
This year, the horrifying trend looks to continue, highlighted by cats like Ronnie from Liverpool, who was found screaming in pain after being shot five times with an air gun in June.
There’s also a worrying upward trend for attacks involving other weapons – including dangerous catapult attacks. Up to the end of June this year, there were twice as many catapult incidents reported to the RSPCA, compared to the same period in 2023 (22 v 10). Police are echoing our own concerns about catapult attacks.
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.
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 heartbreaking 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.”
The RSPCA is working in partnership with other agencies – including Police forces across the country.
Mr Edmond 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 – we have been helping to develop Operation Lakeshot, a police- and partner-led initiative. This was initially established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police, but is now rapidly growing, and aims to tackle these worrying crimes against wildlife.
“We’ve also welcomed Kent Police’s new ‘Catapult Crackdown’ initiative, as they take action to tackle the use of catapults to harm people and wildlife or cause criminal damage.”
