Cats Protection is renewing its name for the Government to license air weapons, with lighter days following the clock change feared to result in a rise in cats being victims of shootings.
The UK’s main cat charity says its analysis reveals a rise of almost 50% within the variety of air gun assaults on cats within the spring and summer time in comparison with the remainder of the yr.
Katherine Brown’s much-loved cat Alaska died shortly after being shot by an air gun close to her house in Bristol final August.
She mentioned: “It was probably the most traumatic expertise which I wouldn’t want on any animal. Alaska was a beautiful, pleasant younger cat and was out close to our house on a sunny afternoon. When she staggered into the backyard, we might see right away she was damage and rushed her to a vet, however she died 20 minutes later.
“Until this occurred, I had no concept that anybody over the age of 18 might buy an air gun with out the necessity for a licence. You simply assume there have to be some type of restriction over these deadly weapons that may inflict such accidents. Not solely was it devastating to lose Alaska in such a horrific means, it’s actually worrying that there are folks round who use weapons like this in such a nasty and reckless method.”
Cats Protection, the UK’s largest cat charity which helps round 200,000 cats yearly, has been campaigning for air gun licensing in England and Wales, in step with present legal guidelines in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Cats Protection’s Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer Madison Rogers mentioned: “In the previous, we’ve seen almost 50% extra press stories of shootings occurring within the months from April to September in contrast with the remainder of the yr. Sadly, hotter climate and longer hours of daylight appears to deliver out the worst in individuals who want to hurt defenceless animals.
“Air gun assaults can go away cats with important, life-changing accidents. It will not be unusual for them to lose their sight or have to have a limb amputated. Tragically, many cats don’t survive their accidents. The misuse of air weapons can be a priority for the broader group and the security of everybody in native neighbourhoods.
“Many persons are shocked to study that these deadly weapons might be owned by anybody aged over 18 in England and Wales. This is in distinction with Scotland and Northern Ireland, which each have wise, trendy legal guidelines in place that require licensing of air weapons. Legislation on air gun possession is now nicely overdue in England and Wales.
“We’d urge homeowners to be on their guard for any indicators of harm of their cat. If your cat has been shot, it’s essential to hunt veterinary help urgently and report it to the police.”
In November 2020, the Government introduced the result of a session on air weapons which led to 2018, deciding to not think about the case for licensing air weapons any additional presently, however lowering entry to air weapons for under-18s.
Madison added: “Cats Protection welcomes this small optimistic step however will probably be urgent for the choice to not introduce licensing of those deadly weapons to be reconsidered. Cats Protection may also proceed to lift our concern that unlicensed entry to air weapons is leading to numerous cats and different animals being shot, injured and killed.
“In the meantime, we’d urge any proprietor whose cat is unfortunately shot with an air gun to report it to the police. Not sufficient is thought about who the perpetrators of those crimes are, and prosecutions are uncommon. We monitor shootings by way of press stories, however not all circumstances could also be reported, so the numbers we see stands out as the tip of the iceberg.”
Cats Protection’s petition calling for air gun licensing in England and Wales has now gathered over 115,000 signatures. To signal the petition, please go to www.cats.org.uk/airgunpetition
