Kent is worst for armed attacks against animals - RSPCA

Attacks with weapons against animals are the highest in Kent, say the RSPCA

Kent had the highest number of weapons attacks against animals in England and Wales, according to the RSPCA.

The animal charity found there had been 61 reports of animals targeted from 2020-2023 in Kent, the highest across all regions.

In one incident, a fox in Chatham had to be put down after a catapult attack by a group of teenagers.

RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said: “These weapon attacks are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg - and we are particularly concerned about the situation in Kent.”

The figures for Kent make up more than 6% of the total number of weapons attacks against animals in the UK.

Overall, the number of animal cruelty reports involving air guns, slingshots or crossbows increased last year across England and Wales, with a total of 370 incidents.

The charity noted that incidents of animal cruelty increase in the summer months and particularly involve wild animals.

'Wider problem'

The RSPCA said it was concerned about cats as the species has seen attacks double in the first six months of 2024 compared to 2023.

Mr Edmond said: “Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals - severe injuries often leading to death.

“And what we deal with probably only represents a small part of a much wider problem.”

The RSPCA has launched its 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal' summer appeal to raise funds to tackle animal crime.

Follow BBC South East on Facebook on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].