Lincolnshire Police have appealed to parents to watch their children’s online shopping, following a worrying uptick in animal attacks involving catapults. Wildlife crime officer, Detective Constable Aaron Flint, says that animals such as swans, cats, and pigeons have become targets throughout the county. The increasing number of incidents has been linked to teenagers using social media as a platform to show off their shooting talents. The League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) has called for catapults to be legally recognised at the same level as guns and knives. The organisation emphasises that these items are weapons, not toys.
Detective Constable Flint has expressed his alarm at the use of catapults by adolescents within the towns and cities of Lincolnshire. He cites multiple incidents caught on CCTV like the shooting of a pigeon in South Lincolnshire, as evidence of the growing issue. Authorities have confiscated catapults from teens who were identified in the footage. According to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is forbidden to injure wild birds. Anyone found guilty of this is liable to a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
Even though it’s illegal for them to be used in such a manner, catapults continue to be easily accessible online, often being sold for less than £6 and with no limitations on who can purchase them. Detective Constable Flint is advocating for a review of current laws to make these items more difficult to buy. He states that catapults have the potential to cause life-threatening injuries, suggesting that a hit in the eye with a ball bearing could lead to severe harm or even death. Flint does, however, recognise the legitimate use of catapults within the sport of fishing, while still advocating for stricter restrictions on sale.
Russ Middleton of LACS has expressed his support for Operation Lakeshot, a national program led by wildlife professionals calling for legal change. The initiative seeks the introduction of age verification for those looking to purchase such items and is advocating for a review of existing regulations. A spokesperson from the government has acknowledged that they are currently reviewing the legislation in order to assure the safety of the public.
This story was firstly covered by The BBC and was later adapted by The Lincoln Post.
