Weapon attacks on cats have soared in the first half of 2024, according to the RSPCA.

Figures reveal that the number of cats targeted with air guns, catapults, or crossbows has more than doubled in the first half of this year, with 44 incidents across the UK compared to 18 during the same period in 2023.

The RSPCA reports that wildlife has also seen a marked increase in attacks.

The warning comes as the RSPCA's 'No Animal Deserves Cruelty' summer campaign continues to raise vital funds supporting the charity’s work to tackle animal cruelty.
 
The figures reveal there has been a 23 per cent increase in the number of animals targeted by weapons - up from 300 in 2022 to 370 last year. 
 
Crossbows attacks saw the biggest increase, with 11 incidents in 2023, compared to seven in 2022. 

The charity’s data reveals that between 2020 and 2023, there were 896 incidents reported to the RSPCA involving weapons affecting all types of animals.

The number of weapon-related incidents in Tyne and Wear for the four years between 2020 and 2023 was 20.

RSPCA lead wildlife officer Geoff Edmond said: "It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ like this - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we receive nearly 200 reports every year."