HORRIFIC injuries sustained by animals in airgun shootings have been revealed today as part of a campaign to crack down on the use of the weapons.

The RSPCA said the number of mindless attacks, which have left family pets, birds and wildlife maimed for life or dead has increased dramatically during the past year.

The charity is backing a new Private Members Bill, being launched by Kent MP Jonathan Shaw, which could see the legal age of youngsters being allowed unsupervised use of the guns raised from 14 to 18.

Figures released by the RSPCA reveal that there have been 117 airgun attacks in the North-East and Yorkshire so far this year, compared with 67 last year.

The charity said the brutal attacks increase as the evenings get lighter with the main culprits being youngsters.

RSPCA chief inspector, Kevin Degenhard, said: "Animals can suffer horrific, slow deaths from people deliberately shooting at them with air guns.

"We believe this Bill provides the ideal opportunity to make sure that children as young as 14 cannot use airguns without super- vision."

Among the victims was a cat from Malton, North Yorkshire, which died after being shot by an airgun at point- blank range.

Two youngsters, aged five and 11, were left distraught after finding their pet, called Tails, in their backyard in August, having been shot through the abdomen. It later died from severe injuries.

A cat in Ampleforth, North Yorkshire, needed two operations to save it after being shot in the mouth with an airgun in July.

Smudge, a white and tabby cat, was forced to have its jaw wired up and screws inserted after the terrifying ordeal. Her owners were left with a vet's bill of £750.

Meanwhile, a racing pigeon in Hartlepool was left unable to fly after it was used for target practice by youths last August.

The bird was treated at a local veterinary surgery.

The RSPCA is calling for the introduction of licensing so that airgun owners are forced to carry a certificate outlining their reasons for owning the weapon and their competency in using it.

Mr Shaw's Firearms (Amendment) Bill will receive its Second Reading tomorrow.