Air gun atrocities must stop

17.06.11

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

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

Last year, we dealt with 567 complaints, collections and rescues regarding air gun incidents. So far this year, we have already dealt with 165 cases and we fear the numbers may 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 believe 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, even the high number of incidents that we deal with may only be the tip of the iceberg.

'Animals are needlessly dying and it must stop'

RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital director David Grant said:

We're seeing far too many animals being brought in for treatment after they have suffered life-threatening injuries.

After nearly 43 years as a qualified vet, 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.

It's distressing to think that people out there think it's acceptable to treat animals in this disgraceful way.

Animals, especially well-loved pets, are needlessly dying and it must stop.

 

A positive step forward

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, air gun 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 gun. Safety leaflets are also now issued with every air gun purchased.
 

Just some of the victims of air gun attacks this year

Here are just some of the cases we have picked up the pieces for so far this year.
 

Aslan

Elderly cat, Aslan (pictured right), 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 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."
 

Marley 

Six-month-old tabby cat Marley (pictured left recovering) suffered a broken leg after he was shot with an air gun at close range.

Vets removed the pellet (shown on this x-ray) 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."
 

Benny

Ginger tom Benny (pictured right) 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."

 

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To report an air gun incident, or any other form of animal cruelty, please call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line: 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

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