The number of cats deliberately shot with an air gun, catapult/slingshot or crossbow has more than doubled in the first six months of 2024 (44), compared to the same period last year (18), according to new data from the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
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 to 370 last year.
These figures suggest felines are being increasingly targeted in deliberate weapon attacks - with the nation's wildlife also in the firing line, says the charity.
Crossbows have seen an increase in popularity with 11 incidents in 2023, compared to seven in 2022. Catapult/slingshot incidents also show an upward trend (27 to 28).
The charity has released the heartbreaking figures as part of the No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal.
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.”
Cases included a three-year-old cat from Stoke on Trent being shot in the abdomen, with the pellet rupturing her spleen. Luckily, thanks to expert veterinary care, she survived her ordeal.
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