Two pigeons have been found with near-identical wounds on the same Charlton street within days of each other, in what a local wildlife group says are deliberate attacks using a catapult or similar weapon.
Both birds were discovered on Victoria Way, near Harold Gibbons Court, with injuries described as “highly unlikely” to be natural.
The first pigeon was rescued last week with a wound through its wing that lined up perfectly with a second circular wound to its flank.
The second bird, admitted on Wednesday, was found just yards away with similar injuries and a suspected serious fracture.
Rae Gellel of Greenwich Wildlife Network, who responded to both calls, said: “Last week, we rescued a pigeon on Victoria Way. Today, we admitted another pigeon from virtually the same location, with almost identical injuries.
“This time, sadly, the pigeon appears to have a serious fracture.”
“Although we initially suspected an air gun, an x-ray found no pellets or foreign objects, leading us to suspect it may be a catapult or some other projectile.
“The vet agreed that such wounds are highly unlikely to be from a natural cause.”
Both birds were found outside flats where bird feeders are present, potentially making pigeons easy targets.
“If you have any information about these animal cruelty incidents in SE7, please make a report to the police,” Rae said.
You can quote the crime reference number: 01/7353809/25.
The Charlton incidents come amid a surge in reports of animals maimed or killed by slingshots and catapults across south east London and north Kent.
Greenwich Wildlife Network says it is now responding to new cases almost every day.
Rae told News Shopper: “It’s quite rare for us now to get through a week without hearing of at least one animal being injured or killed by catapult. The attacks have absolutely exploded.”
Known hotspots include Priory Gardens in Orpington, Danson Park in Bexleyheath, Southmere Lake in Thamesmead, and Brooklands Lake in Dartford. Victims include swans, geese, squirrels, foxes, pigeons and even family pets.
Both birds were discovered on Victoria Way, near Harold Gibbons Court, with injuries described as “highly unlikely” to be natural (Image: Greenwich Wildlife Network)
Rae added: “Priory Gardens has always been an issue. Locals have been reporting attacks constantly. But in the past few years, rather than those reports deterring them, there’s even more than ever.”
Volunteers say the culprits are usually teenage boys aged 12 to 18, firing rocks, bolts or ball bearings at close range
Rae said: “We’ve seen girls lure the birds out with food so the boys can shoot them at point-blank range. There’s no empathy. It’s terrifying.”
Many of the animals never survive. Some are left to suffer for days before dying. Others, like a duck shot in the head at Southmere Lake in 2023, die on the spot, leaving behind dependent young that don’t survive.
Despite legal protections under the Animal Welfare Act and the Wildlife and Countryside Act, arrests and prosecutions are rare.
Rae explained: “Over the years we’ve made so, so many police reports, and we’ve directed locals to do the same.
“It’s very rare that we get any kind of positive outcome. A lot of the time they’re just taken home and given a warning.
“They’re back in the park the next day. It’s clearly not a very effective deterrent. It sends a message that they’re not scared of the police, that the repercussions don’t mean anything.”
Two arrests were recently made in Orpington, which volunteers hope signals a shift.
Rae said: That was fantastic to see because it’s scary to be arrested, being taken home just isn’t.
“People need to understand it’s not a joke.”
Greenwich Wildlife Network and other animal welfare groups are now backing a petition calling for new laws to restrict the sale and carrying of catapults in public, similar to existing knife legislation. The petition has already passed 18,000 signatures.
Rae added: “People believe we live in a country where animal cruelty isn’t tolerated but that’s not the reality. Once they see what’s really happening in their parks, they’re outraged — and rightly so.”
