Parakeets found shot by catapults in London park

Groups of youths using catapults are "lamping" and killing sleeping parakeets in a south-east London park, an animal rescue worker has warned.

Rae Gellel, director of the Greenwich Wildlife Network, said 43 ring-necked parakeets have been recovered dead from Priory Gardens in Orpington over a three-week period, including five found on Monday.

She said the birds roost together in trees at night, making them easy targets for the culprits who shine bright lights at them to stun them before shooting them with catapults.

Bromley Council said the killing of the birds "continues to be a concern" that it is assisting the police in its investigation.

Warning: This story contains images that readers may find distressing.

Gellel said catapult attacks at the park date back to 2020, with target species ranging from squirrels, pigeons, coots and ducks to the recent wave of parakeet killings.

Local residents and park visitors have witnessed attacks in broad daylight, according to Gellel, with some attackers filming the incidents and uploading clips to social media platform TikTok.

She added that ammunition such as heavy ball bearings, nuts and bolts are frequently found scattered across the grass, causing deep circular wounds and severe fractures on the animals.

The Greenwich Wildlife Network is calling for stricter regulation on the sale of catapults to under-18s, alongside greater prioritization of wildlife crime by law enforcement.

Acknowledging that ring-necked parakeets are an invasive, non-native species subject to different legal controls than native birds, the network emphasized that legal welfare standards still apply.

Gellel said: "Being classed as an invasive or non-native species does not remove an animal's capacity to suffer, nor does it make deliberate cruelty acceptable.

"Where wildlife control is lawful, it is still subject to legal conditions and welfare requirements. A catapult attack leaving a bird grievously wounded is not something that should be brushed aside simply because of the species involved."

BBC London reported on calls for a catapult sales ban in April following attacks on wildlife in the same park.

Bromley Council condemned the killings and has confirmed it is assisting police with an ongoing investigation.

"There continues to be concern, which is shared by all, at what appears to be the distressing maiming or killing of birds, including most recently parakeets, which we are aware of, with thanks to the vigilance of local residents and the Friends of Parks group," a council spokesperson said.

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