Rise in animals being shot, warns charity

Jonny the cat came to Pawz for Thought with a pellet lodged inside him

The rise in the number of animals being shot is "absolutely horrific", a charity has said.

Pawz for Thought in Sunderland said there was a "growing trend" of birds in particular being hit and killed by air rifles and catapults in the area.

Seagulls and pigeons were the most commonly injured, but volunteer Lorraine Thornton said the charity had also dealt with cats.

The RSPCA said it had seen a 23% year-on-year increase in reports of animals being targeted by weapons and that it was "likely only the tip of the iceberg".

About a month ago, a stray cat who had a pellet lodged next to his lung was brought in to the charity.

"So it's not just the wildlife - they shoot people's pets," Ms Thornton said.

"People are shocked when it's a cat, but the don't seem as shocked when it's a pigeon or a seagull."

'Growing trend'

The cat, called Jonny, survived the shooting but will live with the pellet inside him for the rest of his life.

The charity has also responded to starlings being shot during nesting season, which Ms Thornton described as "heartbreaking".

"There's been multiple incidents and it seems to be a growing trend," she said.

RSPCA lead wildlife officer Geoff Edmond said: "It's totally unacceptable to shoot animals for 'fun' - or to harm them for target practice.

"And unfortunately, what we are seeing is likely only the tip of the iceberg."

The charity said the number of animals being targeted by weapons rose from 300 in 2022, to 370 in 2023.

Mr Edmond added the charity was "concerned" shooting animals might have "wider implications for public safety" and was keen to work closely with local communities to tackle it.

"It's absolutely horrific for us. It's just the devastation," Ms Thornton said.

"They have no respect for the animals."