Make catapult attacks against animals a standalone criminal offence

Introduce legislation in England to make it a specific, standalone criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly use, discharge or attempt to discharge a catapult or slingshot at or towards any animal.

Animals including swans, ducks, gulls, pigeons and squirrels have been deliberately targeted with catapults firing stones, ball bearings and other projectiles. Those struck can suffer broken bones, blindness, internal injuries and death.

Existing protections are spread across different laws and may depend on the species and circumstances. We believe the law should be clear and consistent: catapults should never be used as weapons against animals.