Over 40 people gathered at Priory Gardens in Orpington today to protest a disturbing surge in catapult attacks on wildlife. Organized by the Greenwich Wildlife Network, the peaceful demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the escalating violence against animals in local parks and demand tougher regulations on catapults.
A Call for Change
The protest comes in the wake of repeated incidents where animals have been maimed or killed by catapults in parks across south east London and north Kent. According to the Greenwich Wildlife Network, incidents are being reported almost daily, with hotspots including Priory Gardens, Danson Park in Bexleyheath, Southmere Lake in Thamesmead, Brooklands Lake in Dartford, and green spaces in Greenhithe.
Rae Gellel, founder of the charity, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the severity of the issue:
“It’s quite rare for us now to get through a week without hearing of at least one animal being injured or killed by catapult. The attacks have absolutely exploded.”
Disturbing Patterns of Violence
The majority of incidents involve teenage boys aged between 12 and 18. The weapons used range from ball bearings and rocks to nuts and bolts, which are capable of causing serious or fatal injuries. Wildlife including swans, geese, foxes, squirrels, pigeons, and even domestic pets have been targeted.
Rae described incidents where girls lure birds out with food, allowing the boys to shoot them at point-blank range.
“There’s no empathy. It’s terrifying,” she said.
One particularly distressing case involved a mallard shot in the head at Southmere Lake in 2023. The duck died, leaving her six ducklings orphaned and presumed dead. In another incident, a family’s cat was shot on their driveway, captured on a Ring doorbell.
Legal Loopholes and Calls for Reform
Despite wildlife protection laws under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the Animal Welfare Act, campaigners say prosecutions are rare and enforcement is inconsistent. Rae criticized the lack of regulation surrounding catapults, which are not currently restricted despite their potential to cause severe harm.
The protest at Priory Gardens featured speeches, leaflet distribution, and conversations with local residents, urging them to report incidents to the police. Demonstrators carried signs calling for stricter catapult regulations and greater enforcement of existing animal protection laws.
Frustration with Police
Greenwich Wildlife Network has made numerous police reports over the years, but Rae says it’s unusual to see any meaningful follow-up.
“A lot of the time they’re just taken home and given a warning. It sends the wrong message—they’re not scared of the police,” Rae said.
Two recent arrests in Orpington have offered a glimmer of hope, with Rae acknowledging that being arrested sends a stronger message than just being taken home. However, campaigners stress that these arrests are the exception rather than the rule.
Social Media as a Catalyst
One worrying trend highlighted by the group is the role of social media in glorifying the violence. Rae revealed that perpetrators often share images and videos of their attacks on Instagram and Snapchat, treating the violence like a game.
“We’ve seen Instagram pages where kids show off the animals they’ve killed. It’s like a digital trophy case,” Rae explained.
Petition for Stricter Regulations
The Greenwich Wildlife Network is supporting a parliamentary petition calling for new laws to restrict catapult ownership and use, similar to regulations on knives. The petition has already garnered over 18,000 signatures, reflecting public frustration with the lack of action.
“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 someone or kill an animal?” Rae questioned.
Community Reaction
Local residents who attended the protest expressed shock at the scale of the problem. One protester remarked:
“I didn’t realize how widespread this issue was. It’s horrifying to think that our parks aren’t safe for wildlife.”
Moving Forward
Greenwich Wildlife Network plans to continue advocating for policy changes and will work to maintain public pressure on both local authorities and the police to take a more proactive stance.
Rae concluded:
“People believe we live in a country where animal cruelty isn’t tolerated, but that’s not the reality. Once they see what’s really happening in their parks, they’re outraged—and rightly so.”
The group is encouraging anyone who witnesses or has information about catapult attacks to contact the police or report anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The community hopes that today’s protest will mark the beginning of real change, helping to protect vulnerable wildlife from senseless cruelty.
