Two pigeons have been discovered with eerily similar and “highly unlikely” natural injuries on the same Charlton street within days of each other — prompting fears of deliberate animal cruelty using a catapult or similar weapon.
Both birds were found on Victoria Way, near Harold Gibbons Court, by Greenwich Wildlife Network. The first, rescued last week, suffered a clean wound through its wing that lined up with a second circular puncture to its flank. The second pigeon, admitted to a vet on Wednesday, had near-identical injuries and a suspected serious fracture.
Wildlife Group Suspects Catapult or Projectile
Rae Gellel, a spokesperson for Greenwich Wildlife Network, responded to both incidents.
Last week, we rescued a pigeon on Victoria Way. Today, we admitted another pigeon from virtually the same location, with almost identical injuries,” she said. “Although we initially suspected an air gun, an x-ray found no pellets or foreign objects, leading us to suspect a catapult or some other kind of projectile. The vet agreed these wounds are highly unlikely to be natural.”
Both birds were found near flats where bird feeders are regularly used, making them likely easy targets for abuse.
If you have information on the Charlton incidents, you are urged to contact police quoting crime reference number: 01/7353809/25.
Surge in Animal Cruelty Reports Across South East London and Kent
The Charlton attacks come amid a worrying surge in catapult-related animal injuries across south east London and north Kent. Greenwich Wildlife Network says it now responds to such reports almost daily.
“It’s quite rare for us to get through a week without hearing of at least one animal being injured or killed by a catapult,” Rae said. “The attacks have absolutely exploded.”
Notorious hotspots include Priory Gardens in Orpington, Danson Park in Bexleyheath, Southmere Lake in Thamesmead, and Brooklands Lake in Dartford. Victims have included swans, foxes, squirrels, geese, and even family pets.
Children as Young as 12 Involved
According to Rae, most perpetrators are boys aged between 12 and 18, who fire bolts, ball bearings, or rocks at close range. Girls are sometimes involved, luring animals out with food so the boys can strike.
“There’s no empathy. It’s terrifying,” she said. “Many of the animals never survive. Some suffer for days before dying. Others, like a duck shot in the head in 2023, die instantly — leaving behind offspring that can’t survive without them.”
Weak Enforcement and Public Outcry
Despite legal protections under the Animal Welfare Act and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, arrests and prosecutions remain rare.
“We’ve made so many police reports over the years,” Rae said. “Often the culprits are just taken home and warned. They’re back in the park the next day.”
However, two recent arrests in Orpington have sparked hope that change is coming. “That was fantastic to see,” Rae said. “Being arrested is scary. Being taken home isn’t.”
Calls for New Laws
Greenwich Wildlife Network and other groups are now backing a petition calling for new legislation to restrict the public carrying and sale of catapults — mirroring knife laws. The petition has already garnered over 18,000 signatures.
“People think we live in a country where animal cruelty isn’t tolerated,” Rae added. “But once they see what’s happening in their parks, they’re outraged — and rightly so.”
Anyone who sees suspicious activity or has information is urged to report it to police immediately.
