News

Call for change: Air gun attacks on cats

Published

9 years ago

June 22, 2016

Tom Sinclair

46% of feline air gun shootings prove fatal: 78% of the public support the introduction of air gun licensing

A CALL for a change in legislation to restrict the sale and use of weapons has arisen following the distressing rise in fatal air gun attacks on cats.

Over 1,000 vets across the country, as well as 1,000 cat owners and 1,000 non-cat owners, were surveyed by Cats Protection, the leading feline welfare charity, which has sadly revealed that many more cats are killed today in gun-related attacks than 20 years ago.

The survey also revealed that a shocking 44% of vets questioned by the charity had treated cats within the past year which had been the victim of attacks by air-powered weapons, with a horrific 46% of these shootings proving fatal.

This research was undertaken by Cats Protection to mark the 20th anniversary since it first investigated the issue of air gun attacks.

In 1996, although 74% of vets had treated cats for air weapon attacks, just 11% of the feline victims passed away. Therefore, although attacks seem to be less common these days, they are far more likely to prove fatal.

The rise in fatal attacks suggests that more powerful air guns are being used. Injuries to the head and body are most common, with many cats left blind or partially sighted.

Cats Protection, vets and feline lovers alike are now calling on governments in England and Wales to officially make it a criminal offence to own an air gun without a licence or permit in a bid to reduce the number of cats who have to suffer from gun violence across the UK.

A leading criminologist states that many people who injure or shoot cats with air guns are worryingly far more likely to go on to commit similar crimes against humans.

Dr Adam Lynes, Criminologist and Lecturer at Birmingham City University, said: “There is an increasing body of research that examines the relationship between animal cruelty and the move towards attacking and murdering humans.

“It is argued that through the process of social learning theory, a theoretical framework in which criminal behaviour is learned, that some offenders will gain positive stimuli from engaging in animal cruelty which may lead to aggression towards humans. This is known as the ‘graduation hypothesis’.

“While it is acknowledged that a crime such as serial murder is incredibly rare, this relationship between animal cruelty and aggression towards humans may explain why some individuals commit acts of violence towards animals prior to attacking humans.”

Alongside this, nearly two-thirds of people surveyed believe that those who attack cats who go on to commit crimes against humans also, indicating a clear public concern.

More than three-quarters of vets indicated that air gun injuries were more frequently inflicted on cats than any other type of animal.

86% of vets agreed that they would like to see a change in the current laws to ultimately restrict the sale and use of air weapons, alongside 78% of the general public who would support the introduction of air gun licensing.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s Advocacy Manager, said: “The sheer volume of instances where cats are injured and killed by air gun attacks is very concerning.

“We are calling for much stricter regulation on the ownership of air guns, as we strongly believe this will help to protect cats and other animals from these shocking attacks, and avoid air guns falling into the wrong hands.

“We want to see England and Wales following the example of Scotland, where from next year it will be illegal to own an air gun without a licence.

“The statistics show that fewer cats are now surviving air gun attacks than they were back in 1996.

“It is disconcerting that only a small percentage of the general public, 24%, would report these incidents to the police, and that 53% said they would do nothing. This could be due to a lack of confidence that the perpetrator will be found.

“Sadly, 78% of people who reported an air gun attack on their cat said the culprit was never caught.

“If any cat owners have lost their cat to an air gun attack in the last six months, we’d be grateful if they could send any details to [email protected]. uk. It will help Cats Protection to collect more evidence about the scale of these attacks and continue to raise the issue with politicians across the UK.”

In Pembrokeshire, one cat was fatally injured by an air gun in the north county village of Puncheston.

This stray feline, who was looked after by several homes, was the second cat to be killed in the village in less than a month, leading Lisa to believe that it was not an isolated incident.

Another cat was shot by an air gun in Milford Haven, with the pellet going straight through her neck and becoming lodged in her left shoulder, in an attack which she was lucky to survive.

Daisy the cat was then taken to All Pets Vet Care to remove the pellet, which cost her owners nearly £500.

Daisy has since recovered from the incident, but the usually confident cat now remains close to her owner’s side.

Recently making headlines at The Herald was the news that a group of teenagers from Milford Haven were shot at with an air rifle whilst on a walk.

Although extremely shaken up, no serious injuries were sustained but one of the boys was left with bruising to his chest after being hit by one of the shots.

PC Laurence Rew, investigating the case, said: “This was a very frightening situation for the group of teenagers who were targeted as they walked along the path.

“Air rifles are dangerous weapons if used incorrectly and can cause serious injury and even death.”

A survey which was conducted last year by the British Veterinary Association revealed that 41% of its members had previously treated cats who had wounds caused by air guns.

Cats Protection’s survey also indicated that a massive 88% of cat-wounding culprits were aged under 25.

Current gun laws state that young people under the age of 14 are able to use an air gun on private premises with the consent of the occupier of those premises as long as they are under the supervision of a person aged 21 or over.

People aged between 14 and 16 are allowed to borrow an air gun from a person aged 18 or over and use it on private property without supervision, indicating that laws need to be altered due to the 88% of cat injurers being aged under 25.

Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: “These findings are concerning for both owners and vets.

“Anyone using an air gun, whether they are an adult or child, should be aware of the very serious injuries these weapons inflict.

“Vets see shocking injuries caused to cats by air guns, so we want to see better enforcement of animal welfare legislation and urge the police and local authorities to take action where they can.”

News

Amber weather warning as ‘danger to life’ rain set to hit Pembrokeshire

Published

2 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Dyfed-Powys Police and council teams prepare as Monday deluge expected

COMMUNITIES across Pembrokeshire are being urged to brace for severe weather after the Met Office issued an amber “danger to life” warning for heavy rain, covering the county from 4:00am to 9:00pm on Monday (Dec 15).

Up to 80mm of rain is expected widely, with 100mm possible on higher ground in north Pembrokeshire and the Preseli foothills. With rivers already running high following weeks of persistent wet weather, Natural Resources Wales says there is a heightened risk of flooding in low-lying areas, including parts of Haverfordwest, Remington Bridge, Merlin’s Bridge, Tenby, Neyland and along the Western Cleddau.

Travel disruption likely

The Met Office warns that fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life, with road flooding likely on key Pembrokeshire routes such as the A40, A487 and A478. Bus and rail services may face disruption.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers would be monitoring known flood hotspots throughout Monday and urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel during the worst of the downpours.

A police spokesperson said: “Please plan ahead. Do not risk driving through floodwater. Conditions may change very quickly.”

Yellow warnings already in place

A yellow rain warning is active for southwest Wales from midnight tonight (Sun 14 Dec). A separate yellow warning for mid and north Wales began this afternoon.

Pembrokeshire County Council said its highways and emergency planning teams are on standby, with extra staff monitoring river gauges and drainage across the county. Sandbags are available where required.

Residents urged to prepare

Natural Resources Wales is advising residents in flood-prone areas to take precautions today, including:

Checking local flood alerts
Moving valuables upstairs where possible
Securing outdoor items against strong winds
Checking on vulnerable neighbours

The Herald understands that emergency services expect the heaviest rainfall between 6:00am and 3:00pm on Monday, with further unsettled weather forecast later in the week.

More updates to follow

This is a developing story. The Pembrokeshire Herald will bring live updates as information comes in from the Met Office, NRW, PCC and emergency services.

Health

Major investment confirmed for GP services in Wales

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Government unveils £41m boost, but practices warn pressures remain acute

MORE than £41m in extra funding will go into general practice in Wales this year following a new agreement between the Welsh Government, NHS Wales and GP leaders. Ministers say the deal provides stability at a time of rising demand — but the settlement comes against a backdrop of sustained pressures, recruitment challenges and concerns over patient access.

The package includes a 4% uplift to the General Medical Services (GMS) contract for 2025-26, in line with independent DDRB pay recommendations, and a guaranteed 5.8% recurrent uplift from 2026-27. The Welsh Government says the multi-year commitment will allow practices to plan ahead, modernise systems and strengthen community-based services.

Health Secretary Jeremy Miles said the investment showed an “unwavering commitment” to general practice, adding: “The 4% pay uplift ensures fair recognition for GPs and practice staff who work tirelessly to deliver care for communities across our country. Multi-year funding gives practices the confidence to invest in the transformation primary care needs.”

However, the announcement comes at a time when many Welsh practices continue to report severe workforce pressures, rising demand, and longstanding challenges in recruiting new partners. GP numbers have fallen over the past decade, with some practices handing back contracts or operating list closures because of unsustainable workloads. Patient satisfaction with access has also declined, according to the latest Welsh GP Patient Survey.

What the deal includes

The settlement for 2025-26 comprises £37.9m of new investment and £4m in re-invested capacity funding, with the key elements including:

A 1.77% uplift in expenses, intended to help practices manage inflationary pressures in energy, staffing and running costs.
A recurrent £20m stabilisation fund to support practices facing immediate operational pressures and to prepare for wider reform under the incoming Sustainable Farming Scheme model for health.
An increased partnership premium, aimed at retaining experienced GPs and encouraging new partners into a model that some say has become less attractive due to financial and regulatory risk.
A full review of the GMS allocation formula — the first in more than 20 years — which determines how funding is distributed between practices. Some rural and deprived communities have long argued the current system does not reflect the complexity of local health needs.

Wider context

General practice remains the foundation of the NHS, accounting for around 90% of patient contacts, yet it receives a proportionally small share of the overall health budget compared with hospital services. Both the Welsh NHS Confederation and GPC Wales have repeatedly warned that without sustained investment, primary care risks being unable to meet increasing demand from ageing populations and rising chronic illness.

The Welsh Government’s own “community-by-design” programme relies on shifting more care closer to home, reducing pressure on emergency departments and supporting earlier intervention. For that to be achieved, GP leaders say investment needs to be matched with workforce expansion, improved digital systems, and clear strategies to retain experienced clinicians.

Working groups will now be set up to examine access standards, diabetes prevention and new service models.

Mr Miles said he was pleased that GPs would be “actively contributing to creating innovative care models that enhance access, improve outcomes and deliver care locally.”

GP representatives broadly welcomed the deal but have stressed that it is only one step in addressing the scale of challenge across primary care.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)