THE RSPCA has launched a campaign this week after a massive increase in the number of airgun attacks reported against animals in the past year.

The animal society has launched the regional campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of airguns and abuse of animals in the north of England.

They have received close to 200 calls regarding airgun attacks in 2007 -- 76 on cats.

Here in Warrington Bob the Builder creator and Westbrook resident Curtis Jobling's cat was shot before Christmas and we have also reported on attacks on other cats and a swan within the past 12 months.

Regional superintendent David Millard said: "Mindless airgun attacks on pets and wildlife is a serious and worsening problem.

"Our figures only provide a snapshot of this issue as many more animals are suffering needless pain and death that we are unaware of.

"Air pellet entry wounds are especially difficult to detect by the untrained eye and, sadly, not all incidents are reported to us or witnessed."