Call to ban catapults receives government response
Campaigners against the sale and carrying of catapults have received an official response from the government after a petition calling for a ban exceeded 10,000 signatures.
The parliamentary petition was launched by Danni Rogers from Camberley in Surrey, who is a volunteer at Shepperton Swan Sanctuary, following fatal attacks on wildfowl.
When the petition reached 18,600 signatures, the government responded, saying it shared the "deep concerns raised", but needed to balance public concerns with respect for lawful users such as anglers.
The petition has received support across the South East, following attacks on people, vehicles and property in Kent and Sussex.
Mr Rogers called the government's response "shocking".
He says legitimate use of catapults is an "excuse" and says he disagrees that current legislation is sufficient.
"We will never give up highlighting the abuse and crimes against wildlife," he said.
"Eventually the tide will turn."
In its response, the government said it would keep the issue under review, but that it believed "the current legislation in this area strikes the correct balance".
A spokesperson said: "The government shares the deep concerns raised by the petitioners over the appalling spate of incidents of swans and other wildlife being attacked with catapults, and we condemn the thugs responsible for such vile and cowardly crimes."
They say police have "broad powers to deal with offences where unnecessary suffering and injury is inflicted on wildlife, including cases involving the misuse of catapults".
The spokesperson added: "However, it is also the case that catapults are also routinely used by members of the public enjoying legitimate pastimes, in particular for anglers when propelling fishing bait."
If it gets 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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