My cat Bella was a very important emotional support animal to a child with autism. She was a companion to my 12 year old son and I. We got Bella as a kitten two years ago when my child had been struggling with his mental health. She was also my best friend too! Bella was an energetic, loving, charismatic little diva. She went missing at 9.30 am the day before Xmas eve. She was found the same time the following day in the area of annitsford (Seaton cross estate) . Bella had been shot and was paralyzed from the waist down. Sadly she had to be put to sleep. This destroyed Christmas and broke a family's heart; during a very difficult period in our lives. This petition is to enforce a ban on the use of pellet guns in gardens. The police are investigating this as animal cruelty and criminal damage. She was shot very close to where she was found. They should not be used in gardens. They need banned for use in residential homes. 

During 2019, press reports of cat shootings showed 94% took place in England and Wales, the only UK nations not to have air gun licensing legislation1. The RSPCA received 767 reports of animals being shot in 2018 across England and Wales.

Here are some statistics about cats and pellet guns:

Number of attacks

In 2018, the RSPCA received 767 reports of animals being shot in England and Wales, with 258 of those being cats. In 2011, the RSPCA investigated 759 airgun attacks on animals, and in 2012, that number increased to nearly 800. 

Fatality rate

In a Cats Protection survey, 46% of cats shot by air guns died. This is an increase from 1996, when 11% of cats shot by air guns died. 

Injuries

Pellet gun injuries can be very serious, causing damage to bones and internal organs. Many cats are left blind or partially sighted. 

Location

In 2019, 94% of cat shootings reported in the press took place in England and Wales.