THE first six months of the year have seen more suspected air rifle attacks on animals in the county than in any of the three years before.

The RSPCA has raised concerns that the hot summer weather will see further incidents that can leave pets seriously injured.

There were six reports between January and June, which already beats last year’s total of five and trebles the number from 2011.

Sophie Wilkinson, RSPCA regional manager, said two reports were from Wallingford with one each from Banbury, Brize Norton, Woodstock and Woodcote village.

In 2012 there was one incident in Carterton, two in Hook Norton, one in Barton and one in Botley.

Ms Wilkinson said: “The rise in attacks may be down to the current spell of sunny weather as more people are outside.

“There are also more animals out and lots of vulnerable animals which were born in spring.”

A number of owners of animals that have been injured in the last year said they are left with huge bills as a result.

Stephanie Richards, 37, of East Hendred, whose 13-year old cat Sam was shot last month, said: “It was a very upsetting time for the family. You don’t expect it.

“It’s disappointing to think that someone has a gun and will fire it at living things. It makes you unsure of your surroundings and environment.”

She said the air gun pellet had perforated Sam’s gut in four places. He underwent an operation to remove the metal.

“It cost £650 for the operation to save Sam and it has meant we have had not been able to go on holiday this year. Sam is still recovering but is as good as he can be after what happened.”

A cat called Winstone belonging to pensioners Tony and Marion Clark was left with one eye after being shot last November.

Ms Clark, 77, of Frog Lane, Milton-under-Wychwood, said: “It was a tremendous shock. I initially thought he had been hit by a car as he came home with blood rushing down his face.

“We were left with £4,000 of vet bills all because of some idiot with a pellet gun.

“Since then, we’ve also paid about £400 for a new garden fence and netting so he can’t get out.”

Ms Wilkinson said that the figure of attacks from the RSPCA was only a fraction of the number probably taking place.

She said: “These are only those we’ve heard about. Many will go unreported or, in the case of wild birds, undiscovered.

“I would ask people to keep an eye out if they see anything suspicious and I would urge them to report it to the police.

“We can then take action against these people.”

“Whoever carries out these attacks needs to understand that they could see them face up to six months in prison if caught.”