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 campaigns@cats.org. 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.”