Enough Is Enough: End Catapult Cruelty to Our Pets

Do you know that it isn’t just wildlife being targeted by catapults?

The number of domestic pets injured or even killed by catapults is rising rapidly across the UK. Because they often roam freely outdoors, cats are particularly vulnerable – but any animal can be targeted. Dogs, horses, farm animals, parrots, rabbits, even pet peacocks have been shot.

Locally, in Orpington – one of the worst areas in South East London for catapult attacks on animals - we know of at least two cats shot this year, and last year a local resident's ring door bell capture a a group of kids aiming a catapult at his cat on his drive, narrowly missing.

And nationwide, the pattern is unmistakable:

April 2024 – Godstone, Surrey: A much-loved pet peacock was killed after being shot multiple times with a catapult.

June 2024 – Liverpool: A cat named Fluffy lost her eye and underwent six operations after being shot in the head.

August 2024 – UK: A cat named Rocket lost an eye after being deliberately shot.

October 2025 – Hampshire: Patty, a family cat, was shot and lost her eye.

Brechin, Angus – May 2024: A cat called DJ lost an eye after being hit with a metal nut.

Ashford, Kent – February 2023: Boo, a nine-year-old cat, was shot in the neck with a ball bearing, believed to be from a catapult.

Canford Heath - October 2022: One-year-old Hunter the cat was shot in the head and killed.

Somerset – November 2020: Two-year-old cat DJ was shot in the face with a glass marble and had to have his eye removed.

Salisbury - 2018: Three-year-old German shepherd Luca was outside in a large run in the garden when he was shot in the head. He lost one eye - but narrowly avoided losing both.

Oldham - 2021: A three-day-old lamb was killed after being shot in the head with a metal nut, which became embedded in his skull.

Derbyshire – April 2018: Poppy the cat was shot in the eye with a ball bearing and required its removal.

Friends working in animal rescue have had their aviaries on private land targeted, with multiple birds shot and killed inside enclosures that should have been safe.

These are just a few examples - I could go on. There are many, many more. And many owners never speak publicly because they fear reprisals or believe nothing will be done.

This is not just about protecting wildlife.

When children are able to carry lethal weapons in public with no restrictions, all animals are at risk - and so are people, cars, homes, windows and even bystanders.

Please sign the petition. It could be your pet next.