Cornwall had the third highest airgun attacks on animals reported in the South West in 2017.

The RSPCA will be giving recommendations as part of a submission to the Government’s review of the regulations on air weapons.

Last year the charity received more than 100 calls from the public in the West Country, including 15 from Cornwall, with single calls potentially reporting attacks on more than one animal.

The RSPCA now wants to see England and Wales follow the lead of Scotland where airgun owners and users have been required to have a licence since January 1 2017.