Gangs of youths in South East London are taking animal cruelty to shocking extremes, using catapults to fire ice cubes and other projectiles at wildlife in Bromley and surrounding areas. A local charity warns that the assaults are “out of control,” with animals suffering broken bones, blinding injuries, and death.
Brutal Attacks on Birds and Mammals
Foxes, swans, starlings, parakeets, and wood pigeons are among the frequent victims. Volunteers and rescuers often spend days trying to save injured animals, sometimes using kayaks and net guns, but many are left to die from untreated injuries. Rae Gellel, Director of Greenwich Wildlife Network, describes the horrifying scene: “You’ve got broken bones, missing eyes, huge gaping wounds… It can take a week to catch an injured animal. Even when we do, the injuries are life-changing—many may never fly again or could lose an eye.” Recent incidents in Bromley alone have left multiple birds dead, including four starlings, two wood pigeons, and two parakeets.
Ice Cubes and Legal Loopholes
The charity claims the switch to ice cubes is deliberate, making the evidence vanish before authorities can intervene. Currently, police can only act if they can prove intent to harm, meaning offenders often operate with impunity. Gellel is calling for stronger laws, including making possession of catapults in public illegal and cracking down on wildlife crimes more seriously. “Despite countless reports to the police, the same offenders return night after night, completely untouchable,” she said.
Widespread Concern and Urgent Calls for Action
Parks such as Priory Gardens in Orpington, Danson Park in Bexleyheath, and Southmere Lake in Thamesmead are repeatedly targeted. Incidents have escalated beyond animals, with some youths threatening people who intervene. A government spokesperson reiterated that harming wild birds or protected mammals is illegal, and catapults should not be used against wildlife, people, or property. Yet charities and volunteers continue to push for urgent reforms, warning that without stronger enforcement and new regulations, innocent animals will continue to suffer at the hands of these young offenders.
