BRITAIN’S biggest animal charity has backed calls for tougher legislation on weapons.
The RSPCA has already received more than 470 calls about airgun attacks in the first six months of the year, compared to 455 during the same period in 2016.
The West Midlands is the second highest region in the UK in terms of the number of calls the RSPCA has received about airgun attacks on animals, with 38 reported incidents so far this year. Warwickshire has a significantly better record, with just five calls in the same period.
The majority of calls are about wild birds (43 per cent), followed by cats (39 per cent). Other animals harmed include wild mammals, farm birds and dogs.
Dermot Murphy, Assistant Director of the RSPCA Inspectorate, said: “It is difficult to understand how anyone could carry out these mindless attacks on innocent animals and we are backing calls for stricter regulations around owning an airgun.
“This, along with better education and explanation of the law when buying an air gun, and requirements that everyone must receive basic safety training before being allowed to walk out of the shop could help relieve the problem.”
July and August, when the days are longer and people are out and about more, are typically some of the busiest months for RSPCA inspectors investigating incidents of animals shot by people using airguns.
The penalties faced if caught deliberately using an airgun to injure an animal can be up to six months in prison or a £20,000 fine if found guilty under the Animal Welfare Act.
