Air gun atrocities must stop, insists RSPCA

Wednesday, 15 June 2011 8:52 AM

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, the RSPCA dealt with 567 complaints, collections and rescues regarding air gun incidents. So far this year, it has already dealt with 165 cases and the charity fears 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, the RSPCA believes 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 the RSPCA does deal with may only be the tip of the iceberg.

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 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.

Here’s just some of the cases the RSPCA has picked up the pieces for already so far this year. Ginger Tom Benny (pictured left) 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 (pictured right) 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 (pictured left and x-ray of his wound) suffered a broken leg after he was shot with an air gun at close range.

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

-ends-

Notes to editors

*Figures related to complaints and rescues dealt with by the RSPCA throughout 2010 and also January-April 2011. Regional breakdowns are available on request.

Images and interviews with RSPCA staff are available. Please contact the press office on 0300 123 0244/0288 or email press@rspca.org.uk

ACPO advice on how to keep your weapon safe:
· Store your airgun out of sight and separately from pellets.
· Use a robust, lockable cupboard and keep the keys separate and secure.
· Always store your airgun inside a house rather than in an out building, such as a garden shed.
· Never store a loaded airgun.
· When using your airgun, keep it under close supervision and never leave it unattended.

RSPCA inspectors can enforce offences under the Animal Welfare Act or Wildlife and Countryside Act relating to air weapons which may require police involvement.

*The offence, which came into force on February 10 2011, has been introduced to Parliament with a Commencement Order enforceable under Section 46 of the Crime and Security Act 2010.

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS

Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099

Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

Wear the RSPCA running vest with pride in the Great South Run, we have places! Email fundraisers_support@rspca.org.uk 

Tags:
• animal welfare
,
• rspca