A DESPERATE plea has been issued to residents over “epidemic levels” of catapult attacks on wildlife.
The appeal, from South Essex Wildlife Hospital, comes as the charity says it is now seeing multiple catapult injuries every day.
Staff at the Orsett-based wildlife hospital are now asking residents to sign a petition banning the carrying of a catapult in public without good reason.
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A spokesperson for South Essex Wildlife Hospital said: “We can hardly believe we need to write this, but animal attacks using catapults have risen to near epidemic levels over the past year.
“Something that was once a rare case is now seen multiple times a day, and we have to do something to stop this rising wave of abuse.
“Sadly, those responsible are often younger children who consider it a 'fun' pastime to take potshots at wild birds, foxes and even people and share the devastating results online for others' approval.
“This cannot be allowed to continue, and we, along with many others in the rescue industry, are taking a stand.”
Over the past year, there have been multiple cases of birds being found dead from injuries caused by catapult projectiles.
In March, the wildlife hospital’s vets found a swan covered in blood with an “obvious head injury” after what they believe to have been a catapult attack.
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Covered in blood from an obvious head injury, he was rushed back to the hospital, where the team says their "worst fears were confirmed".
In June, Essex Police announced an additional "high visibility" presence would patrol Wickford town centre, accompanied by plain clothes officers, following reports of teenagers firing projectiles at pigeons from a slingshot.
The South Essex Wildlife Hospital spokesperson added: "If you want to help us put a halt to this barbaric cruelty, please sign the petition and, if possible, contact your local MP with your concerns.
"Together we can make this just another footnote in history, but we cannot do it alone."
You can sign the petition at petition.parliament.uk/petitions/744237
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