New RPSCA figures have revealed Kent as a hotspot for weapon attacks against animals.
Last year, there was a 30% increase in reported airgun attacks on cats across England and Wales, with 70 incidents reported to the animal charity – compared to 54 in 2023.
Between 2022 and 2024, 497 incidents involving air guns, catapults, and crossbows used to target all types of animals were reported.
Kent had the most incidents over the period (32), followed by Greater London (31) and Durham (20).
Up to the end of June this year, there were twice as many catapult incidents reported to the RSPCA, compared to the same period in 2023.
Birds were the most targeted animals, followed by cats, wild mammals, and dogs.
In May, a lakeside community in Greenhithe reported how “vile” catapult-wielding teens had been targeting wildlife.
Last month, a pensioner spoke of her dismay after yobs with catapults killed her doves in Tovil.
Read more: Catapult crackdown across Kent as police seize slingshot and ball bearings
The charity is raising money to support animals experiencing cruelty, including victims of weapons attacks, in its Summer Cruelty Appeal. Find out more here.
RSPCA wildlife partnerships manager Geoff Edmond said: “Weapon attacks on animals are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg.
“There’s huge concern about the growing incidents of catapult attacks on wild birds such as swans, but air guns remain by far the most likely weapon to be used on an animal.
“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.
“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. We are doing all we can to change things.”
Mr Edmond says the charity has also welcomed the police’s new catapult crackdown initiative, as they take action to tackle the use of catapults to harm people and wildlife or cause criminal damage.
“Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals, including severe injuries often leading to death.
“This is why we need our supporters to back our Summer Cruelty Appeal so we can keep tackling this horrific trend and continue to take action against cruelty.”
