Hunstanton assassins leave pigeon carnage
THE RSPCA has launched a crackdown on those who injure animals with air rifles – partly prompted by a series of attacks on pigeons in Hunstanton.
The society has seen an increase in numbers of animals shot in the East. Sickening attacks have left them dead or fighting for their lives.
Alarm bells have rung in Hunstanton after a pigeon was found shot in the garden of a house in Seagate Road last Wednesday.
The pigeon was the seventh to be collected by the RSPCA on this road – all having had wounds caused by air weapons.
RSPCA inspector Kate Wright said: "Someone must be deliberately targeting pigeons in the area.
"They need to realise that this is illegal and causes a huge amount of suffering to the birds."
The society – which on Wednesday launched its new regional campaign to raise awareness of the dangers air guns pose to animals – says that, historically, wild and water birds have been the most common victims of such attacks but new figures show cats are now the most likely target.
Cat attacks in the East region increased by 67 per cent last year, said a spokesman, while the number of calls about animals injured or killed in air weapon attacks increased overall from 106 in 2006 to 118.
Acting regional superintendent Simon Parker said: "Mindless airgun attacks on pets and wildlife are a serious and worsening problem.
"Our figures only provide a snapshot of this issue as many more animals are suffering needless pain and death that we are unaware of."
The society is asking anyone coming across an air rifle incident to report it by contacting Norfolk Police on 0845 456 4567.
Anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could face a 20,000 fine or up to six months in prison.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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