PETS and wildlife in Bolton could be saved from a slow agonising death if a law is passed which stops under-18s from being able to use airguns, it is claimed.

The RSPCA is supporting a campaign to change legislation in the hope that it will prevent more animals being shot by youths.

The organisation's latest figures reveal that there have been 779 airgun attacks throughout the UK over the past 12 months.

And it is feared that it could be just a fraction of the true number as many wild animals crawl away and slowly die.

Bolton has it own shameful catalogue of attacks;

In February 2000, boys as young as 10 were seen killing birds in the cemetery next to Westhoughton Parish Church.

In April 2000 a yob shot a nine-month-old kitten in the Harwood area. Many other animals in the district were also targeted by a mystery offender.

In December last year a cygnet and a swan were shot dead by thugs at Starmount Lodges, Radcliffe. A third bird was badly injured.

The RSPCA is now supporting a Private Members Bill launched by Kent MP Johnathan Shaw which calls for the legal age at which youngsters can be allowed unsupervised use of low-powered airguns to be raised from 14 to 18.

The Labour politician is also working with the organisation to establish a licensing system for such weapons.

This would require all airgun owners to have a certificate outlining their reasons for owning a gun and their competency in using the weapon.

Kay Brandist, RSPCA regional manager for the North West, said he welcomed the introduction of the bill which he hoped would stop youths targeting animals.

He added: "It is notable that incidents increase dramatically as the evenings become lighter and we are concerned that airgun abuse is a problem predominantly among the young."

Mr Shaw's Firearms (Amendment) Bill will receive its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, November 30.