Cat shot in head with air gun as animal charity calls for stricter laws

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 05:32 · Archive

A four-year-old cat was shot in the head with an air gun in Hampshire and has recovered after vets removed the pellet.

A four-year-old stray cat named Henry was shot in the head with an air gun in Yateley, Hampshire. The cat was rescued by Cats Protection during a trap, neuter and return operation and was later found to have an air gun pellet lodged behind its ear. Vets successfully removed the pellet and Henry is now recovering in foster care.

Cats Protection has received reports of other catapult and air gun attacks on wildlife and cats in the area, resulting in severe injuries and deaths. Media reports show that at least 349 cats have been shot with air weapons in the past five years, with most cases occurring in England and Wales.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for tighter regulation of air guns in England and Wales, where no licensing system exists. Kim Gibson, team leader at Cats Protection Woking & District, said the attacks represent 'a widespread problem that won't go away without urgent government action'. Tom Taylor, campaigns and advocacy officer at Cats Protection, described the impact as 'devastating, not only in terms of the horrific injuries inflicted on cats, but also the fear and distress it causes in the community'.

How it is being reported

• Cat shot in head in Hampshire sparks air gun law pleaA four-year-old cat has survived being shot in the head with an air gun in Yateley, with a local animal welfare charity saying it has received reports of similar attacks in the area.Bordon Herald · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Charity demands law change after cat survives air gun shot to headCats Protection says Henry’s case highlights a wider problem of attacks on cats and wildlife involving air guns and catapults.Basingstoke Gazette · 21 Oct, 05:00
• Cat shot in the head with air gun as charity calls for stricter firearm lawsCat Henry was shot in the head with an air gun in Yateley, Hampshire, prompting Cats Protection to call for tighter licensing laws in England and Wales.Romsey Advertiser · 20 Oct, 15:22

In this story: Henry · Cats Protection · Yateley · Hampshire · England · Wales

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