Two pigeons with almost ideal wounds have been found on Charlton street a few days after each other, in what a local wildlife group says that they are deliberate attacks using a catapult or a similar weapon.
Both birds were discovered in Victoria Way, near the Harold Gibbons court, with injuries described as “very unlikely” to be natural.
The First Paloma was rescued last week with a wound through its wing that lined up perfect with a second circular wound to its flank.
The second bird, admitted on Wednesday, was found only meters away with similar injuries and a serious fracture suspicious.
Rae Gellel or Greenwich Wildlife Network, who responded to both calls, said: “Last week, we rescued a dove in Victoria Way. Today, we admit another Virtual Paloma the same place, with almost almost almost almost.
“This time, unfortunately, the dove seems to have a serious fracture.”
“There, we started an air gun, an radiography found no pellets or strange objects, which leads us to suspect that it can be a catapult or some other projectile.
“It is unlikely that the fats that such are injured are very unlikely of a natural cause.”
Both birds were found outside the floors where bird feeders are present, which makes pigeons easy to be easy.
“If you have any information about these animal cruelty incidents in SE7, make a report to the police,” RAE said.
You can cite the crime reference number: 01/7353809/25.
Charlton’s incidents occur in the midst of an increase in reports of mutilated animals or killed by strips and catapults in southeastern London and North Kent.
Greenwich Wildlife Network says he is now responding to new cases almost every day.
Rae told News Shopper: “It is quite rare that we now spend a week with Wood knowing at least one animal injured or killing by catapult. The attacks have exploded absolutely.”
The known critical points include Priory Gardens in Orpington, Danson Park in Bexleyheath, Southmere Lake in Thapsmead and Brooklands Lake in Dartford. Victims include swans, geese, squirrels, foxes, pigeons and even family pets.
Rae added: “Priory Gardens has always addressed a problem. The locals have constantly leg report attacks. But in recent years, instead of those reports that deter them, there is even more than ever.”
The volunteers say that the culprits are usual adolescents from 12 to 18 years, shooting rocks, screws or ball bears at a short distance
Rae said: “We have seen girls attract birds with food so that boys can shoot them at close range. There is no empathy. It is scary.”
Many of the animals never survive. Some let them suffer for days before dying. Others, like a duck fired in the head on Lake Southmere in 2023, who at the scene, leaving Beind, a dependent young man who does not survive.
Despite legal protections under the Animal Welfare Law and the Wild and Field Life Law, judgments and prosecutions are rare.
RAE explained: “In the years we have made, so many police reports, and we have ordered the premises to do the same.
“It is very strange that we have a positive child’s child. Many times they are just homework and giving a warning.
“They are back in the park the next day. It is clearly not a very effective dough. He sends a message that they do not scare the police, that the repercussions mean nothing.”
Recently two judges were made in Orpington, that Hope’s volunteers points out a change.
RAE said: He was fantastic to see because he is afraid to be arrested, being homework simply is not.
“People need to understand that it is not a joke.”
The Greenwich Wildlife Network and other animal welfare groups are now supporting a petition that asks for new laws to restrict the sale and transport of catapults in public, similar to the existing knife legislation. The petition has already passed 18,000 signatures.
Rae added: “People believe we live in a country where animal cruelty is not tolerated, but that is not reality. Once they see what is really happening in their parks, they are outraged, and rightly so.”
