Catapult Attacks Devastate London's Wildlife Population
Nearly a dozen wild animals, including protected red-listed bird species, have been brutally tortured and killed using catapults in a leafy London borough that has been repeatedly targeted by similar attacks. The most recent discovery involved five pigeons, three squirrels, one starling (a UK red-listed species), a parakeet, and a magpie found dumped in a tree near the River Cray in Orpington, South East London.
Pattern of Violence in Known Hotspots
Although authorities cannot confirm the exact method used in every case, many of the injuries observed are consistent with catapult attacks. The animals were discovered in a state suggesting they had been 'finished off' after initially being stunned—a pattern repeatedly documented in previous incidents. This area near the River Cray has become a known hotspot for such attacks, with parks including Priory Gardens in Orpington, Danson Park in Bexleyheath, and Southmere Lake in Thamesmead identified as the worst-affected locations.
Chris Smith, a volunteer at Greenwich Wildlife Network, described feeling 'physically sick' after assessing images of 11 animals found shot dead in a single incident in Bromley. "I've assessed around 50 to 60 sets of images over the last two years, but these were probably the worst I've ever seen," said Smith, who has worked with the charity for more than two years. "It normally doesn't make me feel physically sick, but these did."
Inadequate Legal Framework and Enforcement
The volunteer highlighted significant problems with current legislation and enforcement. "The penalties currently faced by offenders, particularly children, offer little deterrent," Smith explained. "In many cases they just get a slap on the wrist. We've seen cases where boys shot multiple pigeons, went to court, and were given out-of-court disposals because of their age."
While adults can theoretically face prison under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, convictions remain extremely rare. Across Bromley, Bexley, and Greenwich, volunteers recorded 101 catapulting attacks in 2024, yet across the entire United Kingdom, only 13 convictions were secured during the same period.
Catapults: Toys or Weapons?
Smith raised concerns about how catapults are classified under current law. "Catapults are classed as a toy," he stated. "But they can fire projectiles at up to 136 miles per hour. If something can kill an animal outright, shatter bones and destroy eye sockets, how is that a toy?"
The volunteer also noted dramatic reductions in police resources dedicated to wildlife crime. "There used to be a wildlife crime officer in every borough," Smith added. "Now, across the entire Metropolitan Police force, there are just three people dealing with wildlife crime."
Rescue Efforts and Community Response
In many cases, volunteers use kayaks and net guns to try to catch injured animals, sometimes spending days in rescue efforts. Some animals are never caught and are left to suffer for days before dying. The Greenwich Wildlife Network, which began in 2019 as a small community group, has expanded into a registered charity with dozens of active volunteers responding to these incidents.
The charity has created a petition calling for the regulation of catapults, which has so far gained more than 38,000 signatures, with hopes of reaching 100,000 to trigger a parliamentary debate. Importantly, the organization is campaigning for tighter regulation rather than an outright ban.
"We're not calling for a ban," Smith clarified. "We want catapults to be regulated and classed as an offensive weapon, so police can seize them immediately if someone is found carrying one in public."
Recent Incidents and Police Response
In January alone, there have been 11 catapult-related incidents reported in Bromley. People have been repeatedly observed carrying catapults in parks, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents. "People don't feel safe in parks anymore," Smith noted. "Members of the public are now patrolling parks themselves because they feel nothing is being done."
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson addressed the concerns: "Incidents like this are of real concern to people, and we want to reassure them that we are investigating and taking action against offenders. We have made two arrests in the past year in connection with reports of attacks in Priory Gardens."
The spokesperson continued: "Our officers issued seven out-of-court disposals—called Acceptable Behaviour Contracts—to youths identified as having killed birds using catapults in Thamesmead. With our partners, including local councils, we have increased patrols in affected parks and worked with local schools to warn young people tempted to use catapults."
Government Position and Previous Cases
A Government spokesperson stated: "It is illegal to harm a wild bird or protected species of wild mammal. Catapults should not be used for illegal purposes, whether against people, wildlife or property. We continue to keep all relevant legislation under review in the interest of public safety."
This statement follows numerous disturbing incidents, including one at Southmere Lake in 2023 where a mallard was shot in the head in front of witnesses. The duck died shortly after, and her six ducklings, left behind and unable to fend for themselves, were never recovered and are presumed dead.
In a previous Facebook post, Greenwich Wildlife Network expressed frustration: "Despite a growing campaign, widespread community anger, and countless reports to the police, nothing has meaningfully changed. The same individuals return to the same parks night after night."
The charity urges anyone with information about attacks on wildlife to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.
