Gangs of young people are targeting animals with catapults, often using ball bearings and bolts as ammunition, in a bid to gain fame on social media platforms like TikTok. The disturbing trend involves filming their actions, which include attacking pets, waterbirds, and wildlife, and posting the footage online for likes and followers. In some instances, animals are killed, while others are left maimed with severe injuries.
In Orpington, south-east London, residents have reported years of such attacks. Recently, at least 43 parakeets were killed in a single park within a three-week period. The perpetrators are said to use a technique called 'lamping,' which involves shining bright lights at the birds to disorient them before firing.
Campaigner Rae Gellel, founder of the Greenwich Wildlife Network, stated that birds have been found maimed, blinded, and in agony since these attacks began around 2020. She described one incident where a parakeet was found with a "crater-sized hole" in its chest and died shortly after rescue. The injuries observed, including deep circular wounds and severe fractures, are consistent with projectile impacts.
While the parakeets in Orpington have garnered recent attention, the attacks extend to a wider range of animals. Social media posts suggest that some of these actions are encouraged by adults. Birds such as pigeons, swans, and geese have been targeted, along with squirrels, foxes, cats, and dogs. One cat in Orpington was struck in the head by a catapult projectile, leaving it fearful of leaving its home. Another dog in nearby St. Paul's Cray lost an eye after being hit by a projectile.
Ms. Gellel noted that the injuries inflicted are often horrific, including shattered bones, lost eyes, and disfigured jaws. A swan at Foots Cray Meadows died from an infection that spread into its bones after being struck. The Greenwich Wildlife Network warns that these attacks are filmed and posted online for "clout and 'oneupmanship,'" turning animal cruelty into content. While there has been a spike in attacks in Greenwich, the trend is reportedly growing nationwide.
Difficulties in enforcement have been highlighted, with Ms. Gellel stating that many cases result in no action. "There are so many young people who don’t seem to have any empathy, and what that will lead to in later life?" she questioned. She added that "99 percent of cases, nothing happens," which erodes public trust. Accounts on TikTok have reportedly shown children as young as eight involved in these acts, posting pictures of dead animals.
Catapults can be purchased for as little as £15, with ammunition readily available online. Gareth Bacon, the Conservative MP for Orpington, has previously called for catapult sales to be licensed. A petition advocating for catapult attacks against animals to be a standalone criminal offense has garnered over 33,000 signatures. Another parliamentary petition seeks to make parents legally responsible for wildlife crimes committed by their children.
A spokesperson for Bromley Council acknowledged the concern over the maiming and killing of birds, including the recent parakeet attacks, and condemned the actions. They stated that the council is assisting the police, who are treating the matter seriously. Both the Met Police and TikTok have been contacted for comment.