Cats Protection’s monitoring of UK press reports shows that three cats are killed or injured by an air weapon each week and this is likely to be an underestimate because most attacks are never witnessed or reported.

Worse still, over 90 per cent of these shootings take place in England and Wales where it is legal for anyone over 18 to purchase an air weapon and ammunition without the need for a licence.

The consultation that closes on 6 February 2018 is a unique opportunity to change the law and ensure people and pets across the UK are protected from unlicensed air guns.

These attacks cause immense pain and suffering to cats as well as anguish for their owners and fear in their local communities for the safety of people and pets. If licensing were introduced, Cats Protection believe it would be easier to track down culprits who use these weapons to inflict harm on animals, especially cats.

Follow this link to take part in the consultation.