Warning of "wildlife crime pandemic" in Surrey after spate of swan killings
More birds have been attacked in the last six weeks than in all of 2023
A wildlife charity in Surrey is warning of a "wildlife crime pandemic" following a spate of targeted attacks on swans.
Birds have been hit in Godstone, Staines, Reigate and Woking, as well as in Odiham in Hampshire, over the last six weeks.
Since the start of 2024, seven swans were killed and four were seriously injured in attacks.
It's believed that most of the animals were pelted with catapults, although at least one was hit with a pellet from a BB gun.
Volunteer swan rescuer at the Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton, Danni Rogers, has set up a petition calling for tighter regulation on the sale and possession of catapults, which has harnessed more than 7,600 signatures.
"Currently we're going through a wildlife crime pandemic where we are seeing a lot more attacks of wildlife, particularly swans and geese, where people are using catapult ball bearings", said Mr Rogers.
More of these birds have been attacked since the start of this year, than in all of 2023, according to Surrey Police.
"We need to make catapults less accessible to people. People are carrying them on the streets, in public places. We need to remove catapults from the streets, from these people who are carrying out these devastating attacks", added Mr Rogers.
Currently, catapults are not illegal in Britain unless they’re being used or carried as a weapon. Using catapults for target practice or hunting in the countryside is allowed so long as the carrier is on private property.
However, all wild birds, including swans, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a wild bird except under a licence.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, has backed the petition calling for new laws.
"I wholeheartedly agree with Danni (Rogers) that more legislation around catapult use and possession is urgently needed", said Ms Vesey-Thompson.
"In the wrong hands, catapults can become silent, lethal weapons. And as well as these horrific attacks on wildlife, are often associated with vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
"I believe more must be done to protect both our wildlife and our property, across our county and across the country."
The petition will require at least 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament.