Cat owners in the North East have been warned to be 'extra-vigilant' as the RSPCA unveiled data on the extent of animals being injured by weapons.

The charity’s data shows a disturbing rise in the deliberate abuse of felines with firearms, crossbows, and catapults.

New figures reveal a more than twofold increase in cats being targeted with such weapons.

Between January and June this year, the number hit 44, an alarming incline compared to 18 for the same period in 2023, while reported attacks on dogs increased from 11 in 2022 to 30 in 2023.

Rocket, a tabby from Nottinghamshire, tragically lost an eye after being shot twice with an air gun.

The number of animals, in general, being attacked with weapons is also on the rise, with a 23% year-on-year increase – from 300 in 2022 to 370 last year.

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Crossbows notably led the rise in use, implicated in 11 incidents in 2023 compared to seven in 2022.

A total of 896 incidents involving weapons and all types of animals have been reported to the RSPCA between 2020 and 2023.

RSPCA Lead Wildlife Officer Geoff Edmond said: "These weapon attacks are horrific, but what we see is likely only the tip of the iceberg.

"It is unspeakably cruel and totally unacceptable to shoot animals for ‘fun’ like this - or to harm them for target practice, but sadly we receive nearly 200 reports every year."

He adds that while most people find attacks on animals appalling, there exist individuals deliberately targeting wildlife, pets, and farm animals with guns, catapults, and crossbows.

The charity is working tirelessly to tackle these crimes alongside police forces through Operation Lakeshot—an initiative established by Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police.

An example of a survivor is Narla, a three-year-old cat from Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire.

In April 2024, she was shot in the abdomen. Her spleen was ruptured, but with expert care, she survived.

Mr Edmond said: "Day after day, our frontline officers and animal centres see the sickening consequences of weapons being used on animals - severe injuries often leading to death."