Rise in Pets Shot in Merseyside

Pet owners in Merseyside are being urged to remain vigilant as recent data indicates the region is a significant "hotspot" for weapon attacks on animals. The RSPCA has reported that Merseyside recorded the third-highest number of such incidents in England, with 36 attacks reported between 2020 and 2023. Alarmingly, the first half of 2023 saw a dramatic increase in the number of cats shot with air guns, slingshots, or crossbows, rising to 44 incidents compared to just 18 in the same timeframe last year. Geoff Edmond, the RSPCA's lead wildlife officer, expressed grave concerns about the situation, suggesting that the reported cases may only represent a fraction of the actual occurrences. He noted that many incidents go unreported, and some injured or killed animals, particularly wildlife, may never be discovered. The overall trend across England shows a 23% increase in weapon-related attacks on animals, totaling 370 incidents in 2023. The RSPCA highlighted a significant rise in attacks on various species, with wild birds targeted 214 times, dog attacks nearly tripling to 30, and farm animal incidents increasing to 32. The charity has launched its "No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal" to address these alarming trends, particularly as summer months typically see a spike in cruelty reports. In response, police forces are collaborating with the RSPCA to combat wildlife crimes and address the growing concern over weapons-related incidents.