Calls for catapult law to tackle wildlife crime

Campaigners claim attacks on wildlife have now become a daily occurrence

Campaigners in south-east London are calling on the government to tighten the law on catapults to stop wildlife being killed.

Volunteers at Priory Gardens in Orpington said they have recorded an increase in geese, ducks and swans being attacked by people shooting ammunition such as ball bearings from the weapons, which are not illegal to own or carry.

Jacqui Mitchell, a volunteer at the gardens, said attacks on wildlife had now become a daily occurrence.

The Home Office said it "condemns the cowardly crimes" but added the current legislation in this area "strikes the correct balance".

Distressing pictures show birds that have been attacked

She told BBC London: "Seeing a Canada goose being killed by catapult - I saw it writhing around in pain and dying in front of my eyes – that was horrific."

On Sunday local residents and campaigners held a protest at Priory Gardens calling for better protection for its wildlife and stronger laws around catapults.

Wildlife campaigner Rae Gellel who organised the protest said: "We need to introduce legislation around the sale and carrying of catapults, they are potentially a very dangerous weapon.

"A child should not be able to access a weapon that can cause so much damage."

Other incidents of animal cruelty involving birds have been reported across England.

In February a female swan was killed at Beddington Park in Sutton. An X-ray revealed it had been shot in the head with a ball bearing.

In March a black-headed gull was reportedly shot with a catapult then dumped outside a house in Northfleet near Gravesend.

Wildlife campaigner Rae Gellel says children should not have access to catapults

An online petition calling for a ban on the sale of catapults and ammunition in the UK and to make it illegal to carry catapults in public places, has got more than 19,000 signatures.

In response the Home Office said it condemned "the thugs responsible for such vile and cowardly crimes" but added that catapults are also "routinely used by members of the public enjoying legitimate pastimes, in particular for anglers when propelling fishing bait".

It said the current legislation in this area "strikes the correct balance" and would keep the issue under review.

The Met Police said it was investigating the bird attacks at Priory Gardens.