THE RSPCA is backing a Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons that will clamp down on the use of airguns which have been used to maim and kill animals all over the country.

There have been several instances this year of animals suffering after being shot with low-powered airgun pellets, which can, at present, be legally used by children as young as 14.

In May, an 11-month-old kitten Polly, the pet of pensioner Audrey Power of Middle Field Close, Devizes, died after undergoing two operations to remove a pellet lodged in her lower intestine.

Kent MP Jonathan Shaw has launched a Private Member's Bill calling for the legal age for unsupervised use of low-powered airguns to be raised to 18. Mr Shaw is also working with the RSPCA to establish a licensing system for such weapons.

RSPCA inspector Kate Davis, who investigated the attack on Polly, said: tougher legislation on airguns urgently needs to be introduced."