# Wildlife cruelty via catapult attacks in the UK

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wildlife-cruelty-via-catapult-attacks-in-the-uk
> Updated: 2026-09-08T17:44:55.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Reports of wildlife cruelty involving catapult attacks have emerged in different regions of the United Kingdom.

In Dorset, two 14-year-old boys were arrested following an incident in Poole Park where birds were targeted with catapults loaded with metal ball-bearings. Similar attacks on ducks and pigeons were reported in Dorchester, leading to the formation of the ‘Dorchester Duck Patrol’ by local volunteers to monitor the area.

In Orpington, London, wildlife rescuers reported a wave of cruelty in Priory Gardens targeting ring-necked parakeets. The Greenwich Wildlife Network reported that 43 parakeets were found dead over a three-week period. Attackers reportedly used bright lights to stun the birds at night before shooting them with ammunition such as heavy ball bearings, nuts, and bolts. While the parakeets are an invasive species, advocates have called for stricter regulations on catapult sales to minors and increased law enforcement priority for wildlife crime.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Wildlife crime in London park involves catapult attacks on parakeets

Groups of youths are using catapults to kill sleeping ring-necked parakeets in an Orpington park, prompting calls for stricter regulations and police investigation into the wildlife crime.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wildlife-crime-in-london-park-involves-catapult-attacks-on-parakeets

### 2026-08-25: Poole Park wildlife attacks lead to arrest of two teenagers

Two 14-year-old boys were arrested in Poole Park, Dorset, on suspicion of attempting to kill wild birds with catapults using metal ball-bearings.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poole-park-wildlife-attacks-lead-to-arrest-of-two-teenagers

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Cite as: Wildlife cruelty via catapult attacks in the UK. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wildlife-cruelty-via-catapult-attacks-in-the-uk