Concerns Over Pigeon Injuries Linked to TikTok Trend
Pigeons have suffered injuries and fatalities caused by individuals using catapults, raising alarm about a growing trend on TikTok, according to a charity.
The incidents have occurred over the past four weeks, with the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre (VWHRC) in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, indicating that the actual number of cases may be higher than those officially documented.
VWHRC highlighted a "troubling" social media trend where young people record themselves harming wildlife and share the videos online, particularly on TikTok.
Campaign to Restrict Catapult Sales to Minors
This development follows an initiative by the animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation, which has launched a campaign urging retailers and the government to prohibit online sales of catapults and slingshots to individuals under 18 years old.
It remains unclear whether the recent attacks on pigeons were recorded and posted on social media platforms.
Naturewatch Foundation, headquartered in Cheltenham, reported that wildlife rescue centres throughout the UK continue to observe an increase in animals harmed or killed by catapults and crossbows.
The charity noted that swans, various bird species, and domestic pets have also been victims of such attacks.
Details of Recent Pigeon Injuries
On 17 February, VWHRC received a pigeon found grounded in Gloucestershire with an infected wound consistent with being shot. Despite receiving treatment costing the charity £142.50, the pigeon had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries.
Another pigeon was brought to VWHRC on 2 March after a bystander witnessed a group of children hitting it with a catapult in Gloucester. This pigeon did not have fractures but sustained a neck wound, and the charity hopes to release it once it recovers.
VWHRC indicated that there are "probably many more cases of shot victims," but they only record cases as such when there is certainty.
Charity Response and Calls for Regulation
A spokesperson for VWHRC stated:
"As an organisation, we are aware of troubling trends on TikTok in particular where young people film themselves harming wildlife and share the footage online.
Establishing a minimum purchase age of 18 for these weapons would undoubtedly help prevent such cruel and senseless harm being inflicted on our wildlife."
Catapults are currently not classified as prohibited weapons under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Naturewatch Foundation's Advocacy Efforts
Earlier in the month, Naturewatch Foundation engaged with Members of Parliament to discuss increasing evidence of deliberate misuse of catapults to injure and kill wildlife.
The charity emphasized that these items are unregulated in England and Wales, with no minimum age for purchase and no restrictions on sale or power.
Impact and Legislative Concerns
Jim Clark, wildlife crime campaign manager at Naturewatch Foundation, remarked:
"These items being sold are not toys and it is not harmless mischief.
Modern catapults are capable of lethal force.
Legislative failure to tackle this issue is costing wildlife their lives, traumatising communities and putting unnecessary pressure on already overstretched police forces.
It's a loophole that urgently needs closing."
Government Response
A government spokesperson commented:
"It's illegal to harm a wild bird or protected species of wild mammal.
Catapults should not be used for illegal purposes, whether against people, wildlife or property.
We continue to keep all relevant legislation under review in the interest of public safety."
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