The RSPCA is warning pet owners in West Midlands to be extra-vigilant this summer after new figures suggest it is a hot spot for animals being targeted in deliberate weapon attacks - with wildlife also in the firing line.

New RSPCA data reveals that between 2020 and 2023, there have been a total of 896 incidents reported to the charity involving weapons affecting all types of animals across England and Wales. 

Sadly, the West Midlands has been identified as having a particular problem. The charity’s figures show that over those four years, there were 36 reports from the area about wildlife and pets targeted by a weapon - the third-highest number out of all counties. 

The RSPCA is particularly concerned about the impact on the nation’s cats - with attacks on the rise this year. New data from the animal charity reveals that, across England and Wales, the number of cats shot with an air gun, catapult/slingshot or crossbow has more than doubled in the first six months of this year (44), compared to the same period in 2023 (18).

Warnings come as the RSPCA's 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty' summer campaign continues to raise vital funds supporting the charity’s work to tackle animal cruelty.

Rocket (pictured) - a tabby - recently lost an eye and was left with life-changing injuries after being shot twice with an air gun.

Overall, there has also been a 23% year-on-year increase in the total number of animals targeted by weapons, up from 300 in 2022 to 370 last year. 

Crossbows are the weapon which has seen the biggest increase in its use in attacks, with 11 incidents in 2023, compared to seven in 2022. Catapult/slingshot incidents also show an upward trend (27 to 28).

With the RSPCA receiving more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year, the charity has released the heartbreaking figures as part of the No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal. 

RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said:  “These weapon attacks are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg - and we are particularly concerned about the situation in areas like the West Midlands.

“It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ like this - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we receive nearly 200 reports across England and Wales every year.

“While most people will be appalled by attacking animals in this way, sadly 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.

“But we are doing all we can to change things.  As more and more police forces are seeing worrying levels of weapons-related incidents, we are helping to develop Operation Lakeshot, a police-led partnership initiative initially established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police, which aims to tackle these worrying crimes against wildlife.”

Incidents involving weapons reported to the RSPCA this Geoff added: “Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals - severe injuries often leading to death. 

“And what we deal with probably only represents a small part of a much wider problem, as not all cases will be reported to the RSPCA directly and there may be situations where animals injured and killed by these weapons are sadly never found - especially in the case of wildlife.

“This is why we need our supporters to back our RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal  campaign so we can tackle this horrific trend and continue to take action against cruelty.”

Between 2022 and 2023, wild birds bore the brunt of weapon attacks, with numbers increasing from 190 to 214. Attacks on dogs also increased from 11 to 30 and a new from six to 32 for farm animals.

The RSPCA receives more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year. That’s why the charity has launched its RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appealbecause it’s vital to take action together to help animals.

If you believe that no animal deserves cruelty, please donatenow to help animals as abuse reaches its awful peak this summer. By working together we can create a world that’s kinder for all animals.But