Wildlife Crime Update

Protect Our Wildlife – A Message from Your Local Police

Wildlife is an important part of our communities, and everyone has a role to play in protecting it. Unfortunately, incidents involving harm to wild animals, damage to habitats, and the misuse of catapults continue to be reported across the country.

Wildlife Crime Is a Serious Matter

Wildlife crime includes:

Many wildlife offences carry significant penalties, including fines, criminal records and, in the most serious cases, imprisonment.

Parents and Young People – Please Take Care

As the weather improves, more children are spending time outdoors. We would encourage parents and carers to speak with young people about respecting wildlife and understanding the consequences of harming animals.

What may seem like a game can have serious consequences. Animals can suffer significant injuries, and young people may find themselves subject to criminal investigations where offences have been committed.

Catapults Are Not Toys

While owning a catapult is not, in itself, illegal, using one to injure, kill or target wildlife may constitute a criminal offence. Catapults can cause devastating injuries to birds, squirrels and other animals.

If a catapult is used to deliberately harm wildlife, police may investigate offences under wildlife and animal welfare legislation. In some circumstances, catapults may be seized as evidence and offenders may face prosecution.

Parents are encouraged to know whether their children possess catapults and to ensure they understand the potential consequences of misuse.

How You Can Help

✅ Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
✅ Supervise children and discuss responsible behaviour outdoors.
✅ Report injured wildlife to appropriate rescue organisations.
✅ Report suspected wildlife crime to police.
 

See Something? Report It

If you witness wildlife crime or anti-social behaviour involving animals, please report it via:

Together, we can help protect local wildlife and ensure our parks, open spaces and nature areas remain safe for everyone to enjoy. 🦊🦉🐿️🌳

#ProtectWildlife #RespectNature #CommunitySafety #WildlifeCrime

https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wc/wildlife-crime/what-is-wildlife-crime/