The animal charity has actually revealed stunning brand-new figures associating with fatal weapons utilized on animals over the previous 4 years.
Since the start of 2020 (as much as to May 2023), the RSPCA received 808 reports associating with animals being purposefully hurt with a weapon. Air weapons and rifles was accountable for the bulk of the occurrences, with 658 reports made to the charity; however weapons such as catapults and slingshots represented a combined 124 occurrences while there were 34 calls to the RSPCA about crossbow occurrences.
Kent tops the table with 56 reports, while Hampshire is joint 8th with Essex, having 26 reports over the duration.
Wild birds were most often targeted, however 262 cats were likewise intentionally assaulted with weapons.
The charity has actually launched the heartbreaking figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, in a quote to raise funds to help its frontline rescue groups continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse – like fatal weapon attacks.
RSPCA nationwide wildlife planner Geoff Edmond said: “It is unspeakably cruel, totally unacceptable and illegal to shoot animals for ‘fun’ – or as target practice, but sadly our emergency line is receiving hundreds of reports.
“We think of ourselves as a nation of animal lovers, but 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.”
