SURREY’S Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to tighten up laws on the sale and possession of catapults.
In a letter Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ellie Vesey-Thompson said there is an urgent need for further action.
Ellie warned catapults must be subject to the same rules as knives, giving police greater powers to crack down on those who use them as weapons.
It comes as attacks on wild fowl spike in Surrey. The Shepperton Swan Sanctuary has rescued around 30 wounded birds this year, and a similar number are believed to have died through injuries sustained by projectiles fired from catapults.
Sanctuary volunteer Danni Rogers started a petition calling for the sale of catapults and petition to be made illegal. It received more than 10,000 signatures, including that of Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend.
The previous Government responded to the petition with a statement that says existing legislation provides the “correct balance between protecting wildlife… whilst also allowing the public to enjoy legitimate pastimes”.
Police officers can use their powers to deal with offences involving catapults, but Ellie said additional power of seizure to prevent criminal behaviour would support communities across the country.
Catapults are also linked to anti-social behaviour in Surrey. In 2024, cars parked at a church were targeted with projectiles in a Tandridge village, and there have been reports of animals seriously injured when they were fired at in Ash Vale during May.
“Treat catapults as we would knives”
Ellie said: “I am urging the Government to listen to the concerns of Surrey’s residents.
“It is time to start treating catapults as we would knives. Anyone caught with one must have a legitimate purpose for doing so, and it should be their responsibility to prove that purpose if they’re stopped by the police.
“Attacks on wild birds are increasing in Surrey. In late February, a swan was rescued from the banks of the Thames in Staines with a missile lodged in its head.
“The previous month, a duck was severely injured by a ball-bearing fired from a catapult.
Horror injuries
“In May, people with catapults were seen at Chertsey Bridge firing at swans and ducks, and just over the border in Fleet, Hampshire, a male swan suffered an extensive facial injury at a nature reserve, while the body of a goose with similar injuries was also found.
“Both had been attacked with ball bearings fired from a catapult.
“The connection between catapults and both anti-social behaviour and vandalism are clear. These are key concerns for residents, and the time has come for stronger measures to tackle this type of offending.
“These incidents are deeply distressing. In the wrong hands, catapults can be deadly, and more legislation is urgently needed.”