AN ANIMAL charity has called for airguns to be licensed following a rise in the number of animals shot with pellets.

In 2017, there were 70 calls received across Wales – an increase from 61 in 2016; and the most the charity has received since 2014.

Only two of those attacks took place in Gwynedd, but 22 attacks have been reported in the county between 2012 and 2017.

RSPCA Cymru will be making the recommendation as part of a submission to the UK Government’s current review of the regulation of air weapons following two serious incidents involving children.

Over the last six years there have been 404 calls made to RSPCA Cymru. In 2017 there were 70 calls – an increase from 61 in 2016. Calls alleging attacks have included wild birds, cats, wild mammals and dogs amongst others.

RSPCA Cymru wants to see England and Wales follow the lead of Scotland, where airgun owners and users have been required to have a licence since 1 January 2017.

The UK Government announced a review into air gun ownership rules after a 13-year-old boy, Benjamin Wragg, died after being shot by an airgun.

Paul Smith, RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs manager, said: “The review around the regulation of air weapons is welcomed by the RSPCA and we hope our submission to the UK Government will help demonstrate the scale of calls to us every year and remind decision-makers it is important to protect animals as well as people."

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