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Animal welfare groups call for air gun law reforms following cat attacks
Animal welfare organizations are calling for stricter air gun regulations following several incidents involving attacks on cats and wildlife. In Hampshire, England, a four-year-old stray cat named Henry survived after being shot in the head with an air gun in Yateley. Volunteers from Cats Protection rescued the animal, and veterinarians successfully removed a pellet lodged behind its ear.
Cats Protection reported that media records indicate at least 349 cats have been shot with air weapons over the last five years, primarily in England and Wales. The charity noted that the actual number of incidents may be higher as many injured animals are never recovered. Similar concerns were raised in Winnipeg, Canada, where a 48-year-old man faces animal cruelty and weapons charges after a neighborhood cat was allegedly shot in the back with a pellet gun.
Advocates are urging government action and diligent prosecution to address the distress these attacks cause within communities and to protect local wildlife and domestic pets.
Entities
Cats Protection · Gene Bowers · Henry · Winnipeg · Yateley
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A four-year-old cat named Henry was rescued in Yateley after being shot in the head with an air gun. www.haslemereherald.com · www.petersfieldpost.co.uk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A 48-year-old man faces animal cruelty and weapons charges in Winnipeg after a cat was shot with a pellet gun. forcechange.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Media reports have identified at least 349 cats shot with air weapons over the past five years. www.haslemereherald.com · www.petersfieldpost.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cats Protection is calling for tougher laws governing air guns. www.haslemereherald.com · www.petersfieldpost.co.uk