Police appeal for information on wildlife catapult in Maltlands Park

Avon & Somerset Police have issued an appeal for information after the Worle & Village Neighbourhood Policing team received reports of wildlife being targeted with catapults in Maltlands Park, Weston-super-Mare last month. A number of animals were injured and killed.

Avon & Somerset Police said; “While carrying a catapult is not automatically a criminal offence, its use can lead to prosecution under several laws, including:

~ Animal Welfare Act 2006 – Causing an animal to suffer

~ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – Intentionally harming wild birds

~ Prevention of Crime Act 1953 – Possessing items intended to cause injury

~ Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996 – Causing unnecessary suffering

~ Criminal Damage Act 1971 – Damaging property

~ Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – Attempting to harm wildlife or possessing tools to do so

“We take these reports seriously and will continue patrolling the park to deter further incidents. We thank the public for their vigilance and encourage anyone with information to report it to the police.

Let’s work together to protect our local wildlife and keep our parks safe for everyone.”