Catapult Crime – It Must Stop!

Wildlife charity urges public to report catapult attacks as Operation Lakeshot identifies local hotspot

East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) is urging members of the public to report suspicious behaviour and wildlife attacks after Operation Lakeshot identified a local hotspot of incidents in the Hailsham area and along the Cuckoo Trail.

Operation Lakeshot is a national initiative led by the League Against Cruel Sports, working with police forces and wildlife organisations like East Sussex WRAS to help tackle the growing problem of catapult attacks and deliberate harm to wildlife.

East Sussex WRAS has joined calls for people to remain vigilant and report incidents to Sussex Police, as well as sharing information with Operation Lakeshot through the League Against Cruel Sports.

The charity is particularly concerned that the Hailsham area and Cuckoo Trail could see incidents escalate unless the community helps by reporting suspicious activity quickly.

Trevor Weeks MBE, Founding Director of East Sussex WRAS, said:

“Catapult attacks on wildlife are cruel, deliberate and completely unacceptable. We have seen the devastating injuries these incidents can cause, and sadly many animals suffer terribly as a result.

“The Cuckoo Trail and the Hailsham area are places used and enjoyed by families, walkers, cyclists and wildlife lovers. We do not want to see this behaviour become normalised or escalate further.

“We are asking the public to be our eyes and ears. If you witness someone using a catapult against wildlife, find an injured animal you suspect has been attacked, or see suspicious behaviour, please report it to Sussex Police. Information can also be passed to Operation Lakeshot via the League Against Cruel Sports.

“Even small pieces of information may help build a bigger picture and allow action to be taken before more animals are harmed.”

East Sussex WRAS is also encouraging local residents, businesses, schools, community groups and users of the Cuckoo Trail to download and display an Operation Lakeshot poster from the charity’s website – (See below).

The poster helps raise awareness of the issue and explains how people can report concerns.

Members of the public should never confront anyone suspected of attacking wildlife. Instead, they should keep themselves safe, make a note of details such as location, time, descriptions, photographs or videos where safe to do so, and report the incident.

If an injured wild animal is found, East Sussex WRAS advises people not to attempt to treat or feed the casualty, but to keep it safe and contained where appropriate and call the charity’s rescue line for advice.

How to report concerns:

Report wildlife crime or suspicious activity to Sussex Police via 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk.

Information about catapult attacks can also be passed to Operation Lakeshot through the League Against Cruel Sports.

You can download a poster by clicking HERE.