An animal charity is warning pet owners to be extra vigilant this summer, after the number of ‘horrific’ weapon attacks soar.
The RSPCA says it fears for cats safety, as recent figures show pets and wildlife are being targeted with air guns, crossbows, catapults and slingshots.
Between 2020 and 2023, there were a total of 15 attacks reported in Lincolnshire and 896 incidents reported to the RSPCA involving weapons.
Lincolnshire’s wildlife crime officer DC Aaron Flint said the force is backing this latest RSPCA campaign - No Animal deserves Cruelty.
He said: “Lincolnshire has had a number of incidents of this nature, it is outright cruelty and often is unfortunately an offence that is committed by our younger generation.
“We as a force support Operation Lakeshot and also the RSPCA campaign “No animal deserves cruelty”. Domestic pets are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and any cruelty shown towards them will be investigated and offenders will be swifty brought to justice.
“Offenders committing offences of this nature, can receive up to five years in prison”.
In one incident Rocket, a tabby cat from Nottinghamshire, recently lost an eye and was left with life-changing injuries, after being shot twice with an air gun - the RSPCA said.
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.
“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.”
Between 2022 and 2023, wild birds bore the brunt of weapon attacks as the numbers increased from 190 to 214. Attacks on dogs increased from 11 to 30 and there was an increase of six to 32 for farm animals.
In other incidents reported this year included a fox in Kent, who was shot with a catapult by a group of teenagers in May.
Sadly, as the wild animal was also suffering from other severe medical issues, it was decided that euthanasia was the kindest option.
In April, an x-ray of a hedgehog which was found wounded in Pembrokeshire, revealed an air gun pellet embedded in his shoulder.
Sadly, the animal had to be put to sleep on welfare grounds.
Narla, a three-year-old cat from Staffordshire, was shot in the abdomen and the pellet ruptured her spleen in April.
Luckily, thanks to expert veterinary care, she survived her ordeal.
A peacock was fatally wounded after being shot six times with an airgun in Shropshire in January.
The bird was found with pellets lodged in his leg and several other areas following the shooting.