Wildlife across parts of southern England is increasingly being targeted in attacks involving catapults, leading to severe injuries and often fatal outcomes, according to recent reports from animal welfare organisations and wildlife groups.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has highlighted a distressing case in Northfleet, near Gravesend, Kent, where a black-headed gull was deliberately shot with a catapult. X-rays revealed that the bird suffered fractures to its right elbow and wing bones caused by a metal projectile, identified as a round metallic object approximately eight millimetres in diameter. Adam Tasker, an RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, described the incident as a "senseless killing" and said: “It is really sad this beautiful bird appears to have died after being deliberately targeted, perhaps as part of a cruel game and went on to experience horrendous injuries before dying.” He appealed to the public for any information concerning those responsible.
Other recent incidents reflect a disturbing pattern. In Orpington, Kent, a female fox, or vixen, was found dead in a garden with a ball bearing embedded in her nose—a wound consistent with catapult use—and a fatal injury to her midsection. Similarly, a mallard duck was discovered with its lower beak torn off by a projectile, leading to starvation and death several days later. In Sutton, south London, a female swan nesting at Beddington Park was killed, with x-rays confirming it had been struck by a ball bearing. At Swan Valley Lakes on the Surrey-Hampshire border, a nesting female swan suffered multiple wounds inflicted by two juveniles reportedly using a catapult. Paul Bloomfield from Swan Valley Lakes described the injuries as "really nasty" and the event as “disturbing,” noting the stress and profuse bleeding suffered by the bird.
The Greenwich Wildlife Network reports receiving multiple incidents of such attacks each week and is calling for stricter regulation of catapults and increased police action. Currently, it is legal to buy and carry catapults, although causing unnecessary suffering to animals is an offence under animal welfare laws. Wildlife campaigners argue that many attacks are perpetrated by teenagers using catapults, which are more accessible than air rifles that are restricted to adults over 18.
Among those advocating for change, wildlife rescuer Daniel Rogers has launched a petition that has garnered over 20,000 signatures, seeking a ban on the sale and public possession of catapults. Rogers has cited numerous serious and fatal assaults on wildfowl and swans, especially at the Shepperton Swan Sanctuary in Surrey, as evidence of the harm caused by these weapons.
In response to the issue, the Home Office condemned the individuals responsible for such acts, referring to them as "thugs responsible for such vile and cowardly crimes." However, the department noted that catapults remain popular among the public for legitimate recreational activities, particularly among anglers for casting fishing bait. It stated that existing legislation “strikes the correct balance” but also confirmed the situation would continue to be monitored.
The RSPCA and wildlife organisations continue to appeal for public assistance in identifying perpetrators and encourage vigilance in communities where such cruel episodes have been reported.
Source: Noah Wire Services