Campaigners are calling to ban the sale of catapults to anyone under the age of 18, following reports of young people causing injuries to wildlife as well as people. Wildlife charities, including Naturewatch Foundation, have called on the government to take action after attacks from young people were filmed and shared online.
“We’ve got to stop these children having these lethal weapons before they start killing people,” Farmer Lou Carpenter said.
Catapults are not illegal to own or carry in public in the UK. The government says it is reviewing all relevant legislation. This is because they can have legitimate uses such as by anglers who us them to bait whilst fishing. But if they are used to harm people, they could be illegal under existing laws.
“The government should treat powerful catapults as the dangerous weapons they can be, not just harmless toys,” Jim Clark, wildlife crime campaigner at Naturewatch Foundation said. “We need a ban on sales to those under 18, with clear restrictions on carrying them in public, and tougher penalties when they’re used to harm animals or damage property.”
Some campaigners have also called for a ban on carrying them in public.
The Home Office has said that existing legislation offers the correct balance between protecting the public and allowing those with legitimate uses to continue to do so.
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