Cat owners warned over rise in animal attacks in Essex
RSPCA statistics show there've been 18 incidents in the last couple of years
Cat owners in Essex have been urged to remain vigilant after a rise in airgun attacks.
The RSPCA revealed attacks caused by airguns were up 30 percent nationally last year.
Essex ranked as one of the worst counties in England for animal attacks with 18 incidents alone between 2022-2024.
Incidents also saw an increase in the use of catapults and crossbows on cats and local wildlife and the RSPCA receives more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year.
In one case a woodpigeon in South Ockendon, Essex had to be put to sleep after being found with a severely injured wing after a ball bearing from a catapult was found embedded in her body.
As a result the RSPCA has launched the 'Summer Cruelty Appeal’ to raise vital funds to support animals experiencing cruelty, including victims of weapons attacks.
RSPCA Wildlife Partnerships Manager Geoff Edmond said: ““It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we’ve received nearly 500 reports about all kinds of weapon attacks on animals over the past three years.
George added: “While most people will be appalled by animals being attacked in this way, sadly the RSPCA’s experience shows that some deliberately target wildlife, pets and farm animals with guns, catapults and crossbows - presumably for ‘laughs’.
"But these weapons cause horrific pain and suffering.”
The RSPCA is working in partnership with other agencies including Police forces across the country to tackle animal cruelty.