Fury Over Surge in Catapult Attacks on Wildlife in Orpington
More than 40 furious locals gathered at Priory Gardens, Orpington, today to protest a shocking spike in catapult attacks ripping through wildlife in southeast London and north Kent. The peaceful rally, organised by the Greenwich Wildlife Network, demanded urgent action and tougher catapult laws before more animals suffer.
Wildlife Under Siege
The grim reality is clear: swans, foxes, squirrels, pigeons — even domestic pets — are being targeted daily with deadly projectiles. “It’s rare we get through a week without hearing about an animal injured or killed by catapult,” said Rae Gellel, charity founder.
Youth offenders, mostly teenage boys aged 12 to 18, launch ball bearings, rocks, and even nuts and bolts at innocent creatures. Disturbingly, girls are reportedly luring birds by offering food, enabling boys to strike at close range.
“There’s no empathy. It’s terrifying,” Rae told the crowd.
One heartrending case involved a mallard shot in the head at Southmere Lake, leaving six ducklings orphaned and presumed dead. Another family’s cat was targeted right outside their home — captured on a Ring doorbell camera.
Legal Gaps and Police Frustrations
Despite existing wildlife protection laws, prosecution is rare and enforcement patchy. Catapults remain unregulated, allowing dangerous weapons to fall through legal cracks.
Rae blasted the police for weak responses: “Most offenders are just taken home and given a warning. It sends the wrong message — they’re not scared of the police.” Though two recent arrests in Orpington offer hope, campaigners warn these are the exceptions.
Social Media Fuelling The Cruelty
The Greenwich Wildlife Network highlighted a chilling trend: youths boasting about their cruelty online. Videos and images showing animals being attacked are shared widely on Instagram and Snapchat, turning violence into a twisted game.
“We’ve seen Instagram pages where kids show off the animals they’ve killed. It’s like a digital trophy case,” Rae revealed.
Campaign for Tougher Catapult Laws
The group backs a parliamentary petition calling for stricter catapult ownership rules, akin to knife controls. With over 18,000 signatures, the public is fed up.
“You can take someone’s eye out with these. You have to show ID to buy a knife — why not a weapon that can blind or kill?” Rae questioned.
Local residents expressed shock and outrage at just how widespread the attacks have become.
Greenwich Wildlife Network vows to keep the pressure on councils and police to clamp down harder.
“People think we live in a country that doesn’t tolerate animal cruelty. The reality is different. Once they see the truth, they’re rightly outraged,” Rae concluded.
If you witness catapult attacks, report immediately to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Today’s protest could be the start of real change to shield our wildlife from senseless savagery.
