Pellet guns and air rifles linked to spike in animal cruelty across Durban

Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) says officers are seeing a worrying rise in animal cruelty across Durban and surrounding parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with both children and adults accused of using pellet guns and other air-powered weapons to injure and kill animals.

Weapons and victims

RUSA said its officers have responded to numerous incidents in which “pellet guns, air rifles, paintball markers and gas-powered airguns” were allegedly used to harm animals. The organisation listed victims as dogs, stray cats, wild birds, snakes and monkeys.

Rescues, injuries and euthanasia

While officers have managed to rescue several injured animals, RUSA said many animals suffered such extensive wounds that the only humane option was euthanasia.

Improved rescue capacity and legal permissions

To improve care for injured animals, RUSA said all its operations centres have been equipped with specialised rescue equipment so staff can respond swiftly and provide immediate assistance before arranging veterinary treatment or rescue where possible.

The organisation also confirmed it holds a permit issued by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife authorising its officers, in their official capacity, to capture, temporarily possess, keep in captivity, release and translocate certain reptiles, amphibians and other vertebrate species. RUSA stressed that no protected species would be euthanised, relocated or otherwise dealt with without prior approval from the relevant district conservation officer.

Call to the public

RUSA has appealed to members of the public to refrain from harming animals and to report incidents of cruelty so officers can intervene before more lives are lost.

“Reaction officers have responded to numerous incidents in which pellet guns, air rifles, paintball markers and gas-powered airguns have allegedly been used by both adults and children to kill or seriously injure animals across Durban and surrounding areas of KwaZulu-Natal,” the organisation said.