Catapult attacks on wild birds rise across Suffolk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 10:55 · Archive

Reports of catapult attacks on wild birds, wildlife and domestic pets have increased across Suffolk. Suffolk Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Policing has seen the rise in incidents across the county.

Operation Lakeshot is a coordinated initiative involving police forces, the National Wildlife Crime Unit and animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA. The campaign aims to tackle the growing use of high-powered catapults to injure or kill waterfowl and other wildlife.

The trend has been linked to social media content and online challenges. Using a catapult to deliberately harm or kill an animal can lead to criminal prosecution for wildlife and animal welfare offences, as such acts can cause significant suffering and distress. Anyone who witnesses a person using a catapult to target wild birds, wildlife or pets is urged to report it.

How it is being reported

• Catapult attacks on wild birds rise across SuffolkA rise in catapult attacks on wild birds has been reported in Suffolk.Ipswich Star · 9 Oct, 10:30
• Catapult attacks on wild birds rise across SuffolkA rise in catapult attacks on wild birds has been reported in Suffolk.East Anglian Daily Times · 9 Oct, 10:30

In this story: Suffolk · Suffolk Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Policing · Operation Lakeshot · National Wildlife Crime Unit · RSPCA

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem