Airgun shootings on pets increase

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The number of pets shot by airguns has increased by more than a quarter in the past six years.

Figures from the animal charity RSPCA show a 28% rise to 234 incidents in the first six months of 2006, compared to 182 cases in the same period in 2000.

The organisation said many pets are injured, often ending up losing eyes or limbs, or have to be put down.

Many of the attacks may be committed by young people as cases increase during school holidays, the RSPCA believes.

The society described the figures as the "tip of the iceberg" as it says there are more incidents than officially reported.

New laws are going through Parliament aimed at tackling underage sales of airguns over the internet.

The RSPCA wants to see the legislation go further and the make same restrictions apply to airguns as other firearms.