{"id":274,"date":"2025-10-14T21:37:39","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T20:37:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/?p=274"},"modified":"2025-10-15T10:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T09:59:23","slug":"catapult-attacks-animal-welfare-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/?p=274","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udc07Catapult Attacks on Animals: Why the UK Must Act to End This Hidden Cruelty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/06-2024-02-182958-IMG_7167-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Catapult attacks on animals \u2013 Hop to Save Rabbits\" class=\"wp-image-275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/06-2024-02-182958-IMG_7167-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/06-2024-02-182958-IMG_7167-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/06-2024-02-182958-IMG_7167-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/06-2024-02-182958-IMG_7167-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/06-2024-02-182958-IMG_7167-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The deliberate use of <strong data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2190\">catapults to target animals<\/strong>\u2014known as <em data-start=\"2200\" data-end=\"2229\">catapult attacks on animals<\/em>\u2014is a growing welfare crisis in the UK. These acts cause unnecessary suffering, injury, and death, breaching national <strong data-start=\"2347\" data-end=\"2370\">animal cruelty laws<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Weapon-linked attacks on animals have risen sharply, with a reported 23% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.<\/p>\n<p>While catapult attacks on animals are not a new phenomenon. There is a disturbing rise in these incidents, particularly among children and young offenders, with videos and images of cruelty increasingly shared across social media platforms, turning acts of violence into entertainment.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1461\">Rabbits, hares, and wild birds are the most frequent victims. They often suffer fatal wounds from high-velocity projectiles. The rise of catapult abuse reflects a deeper problem: violence against animals is being normalised. It desensitises people to suffering and fosters antisocial behaviour.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1463\" data-end=\"1675\">This report explores how <strong data-start=\"1488\" data-end=\"1519\">catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> affect both wildlife and domestic pets, including abandoned animals. It reviews the current law, key case studies, and recommendations for urgent reform.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1722\">Hop to Save Rabbits calls for clear action:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1885\">\n<li data-start=\"1723\" data-end=\"1762\">\n<p data-start=\"1725\" data-end=\"1762\"><strong data-start=\"1725\" data-end=\"1759\">Ban or restrict catapult sales<\/strong>;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1763\" data-end=\"1808\">\n<p data-start=\"1765\" data-end=\"1808\"><strong data-start=\"1765\" data-end=\"1801\">Increase penalties for offenders<\/strong>; and<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1809\" data-end=\"1885\">\n<p data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"1885\"><strong data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"1854\">Hold social media companies accountable<\/strong> for hosting violent content.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1959\">These steps will protect animals, communities, and young people alike.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Growing Problem of Catapult Cruelty<\/h2>\n\n\n<p data-start=\"1783\" data-end=\"2044\">Weapon-linked cruelty is no longer rare. <strong data-start=\"1824\" data-end=\"1855\">Catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> are increasingly reported across rural and urban communities. Many cases involve wildlife such as rabbits, hares, and birds, but pets \u2014 including cats and dogs \u2014 have also been targeted.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2264\">In several police investigations, perpetrators filmed and shared their acts on social media. Videos show children and teenagers using catapults to harm defenceless animals, encouraged by peers in private chat groups.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2266\" data-end=\"2472\">This trend is not only a <strong data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2332\">breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006<\/strong> but also a moral failure. It highlights how animal cruelty is being gamified and how digital platforms enable violence to spread unchecked.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legislative Protections and Enforcement Gaps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Protections for Rabbits and Hares<\/h3>\n\n\n<p data-start=\"447\" data-end=\"703\">The <strong data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"488\">Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981<\/strong> is the principal legislation governing the protection of wild species and their habitats in the United Kingdom. It primarily safeguards wild birds and certain other listed species from harm, injury, or disturbance.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"705\" data-end=\"1066\">Although <strong data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"784\">rabbits and hares are not specifically listed as protected species<\/strong> under this Act, deliberately targeting them with a catapult in a way that causes unnecessary suffering may still breach broader <strong data-start=\"913\" data-end=\"942\">animal welfare provisions<\/strong>. In such cases, offences can also fall under the <strong data-start=\"992\" data-end=\"1019\">Animal Welfare Act 2006<\/strong> or the <strong data-start=\"1027\" data-end=\"1065\">Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1068\" data-end=\"1431\">Where harm occurs in connection with <strong data-start=\"1105\" data-end=\"1174\">conservation offences, illegal hunting, or anti-poaching breaches<\/strong>, enforcement action may also be taken under this Act. For example, if <strong data-start=\"1245\" data-end=\"1276\">catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> take place in protected areas or involve species covered by Schedule 5 or 6, perpetrators can face prosecution under both wildlife and animal welfare law.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1728\">Together with later legislation, the Wildlife and Countryside Act forms a cornerstone of the UK\u2019s response to animal cruelty. It provides a vital legal foundation for tackling <strong data-start=\"1609\" data-end=\"1655\">catapult-related offences against wildlife<\/strong> and ensuring accountability when animals are injured, maimed, or killed.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Animal Welfare Act 2006<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/2006\/45\/contents\"><strong data-start=\"2568\" data-end=\"2595\">Animal Welfare Act 2006<\/strong><\/a>, any vertebrate animal \u2014 wild or domestic \u2014 is classed as a \u201cprotected animal.\u201d Using a catapult to injure or kill an animal constitutes <strong data-start=\"2733\" data-end=\"2766\">causing unnecessary suffering<\/strong>, an offence under section 4 of the Act. Convictions can result in <strong data-start=\"2833\" data-end=\"2867\">up to five years\u2019 imprisonment<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"2869\" data-end=\"2888\">unlimited fines<\/strong>, and <strong data-start=\"2894\" data-end=\"2934\">disqualification from owning animals<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996<\/h3>\n\n\n<p data-start=\"2982\" data-end=\"3219\">This Act makes it illegal to intentionally <strong data-start=\"3025\" data-end=\"3099\">mutilate, kick, beat, nail, or otherwise inflict unnecessary suffering<\/strong> upon any wild mammal. Striking or wounding a wild rabbit or hare with a catapult falls squarely under this provision.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3221\" data-end=\"3397\">However, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many cases go unreported or unprosecuted due to lack of evidence, limited police resources, or difficulty tracing offenders online.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Online Safety Act 2023<\/h3>\n\n\n<p>The <strong data-start=\"3434\" data-end=\"3460\">Online Safety Act 2023<\/strong> places a <strong data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3496\">statutory duty of care<\/strong> on social media platforms to remove harmful content. Yet violent videos of animal torture remain widespread. Stronger enforcement and fines for non-compliance are essential to prevent further cruelty.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sentencing Framework<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 marked a significant increase in deterrence, raising the maximum prison sentence for serious animal welfare offences from six months to five years.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The enhanced five-year penalty applies to offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006; offences under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 currently carry a maximum sentence of six months\u2019 imprisonment or a fine.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Courts may also impose longer custodial terms in aggravated cases, alongside additional sanctions such as banning orders preventing offenders from owning or working with animals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Case Studies: Highlighting the Crisis of catapult attacks on animals<\/h2>\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Sky News Investigation (13 March 2024)<\/strong><br \/>Sky News uncovered WhatsApp groups where children shared graphic footage of animals harmed with catapults. In one voice note, a rabbit was described as \u201cshot straight through the head,\u201d and graphic images of injured or dying animals were circulated to incite further attacks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Hampshire Police Report (26 April 2024)<\/strong><br \/>ITV News reported incidents of wildlife being targeted with catapults in Hampshire, including a break-in at a pheasant pen where a man armed with a catapult inflicted significant harm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. Wiltshire Poaching Arrests (4 October 2021)<\/strong><br \/>BBC News reported the arrest of six individuals for poaching, with police seizing catapults, ball bearings, and the remains of a hare or rabbit\u2014illustrating the link between catapult use and broader wildlife crime.<\/p>\n<p><strong>4. Hare Coursing Incident (12 July 2024)<\/strong><br \/>Farmers Guardian reported an incident where a farmer was threatened with a catapult during an illegal hare coursing event, highlighting catapults on animals as well as tools not only for cruelty but also intimidation in rural crimes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>5. Rise in Animal Abuse Linked to Social Media (8 August 2025)<\/strong><br \/>An RSPCA report published on 8 August 2025 highlights a disturbing trend: social media platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, and Snapchat are increasingly being used to share graphic videos of animal cruelty. These include footage of animals being deliberately maimed via catapult attacks on animals, as well as so-called \u201cchallenge\u201d videos that encourage further violence against wildlife and pets. The charity warns that this digital spread of abuse is fuelling real-world incidents and desensitising young people to suffering.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Link Between Animal Abuse and Human Violence<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>The use of catapults to harm animals not only causes direct suffering but also poses serious risks to child welfare. Exposure to, and participation in, acts of cruelty can cause profound psychological damage to children and young people, fostering antisocial tendencies and violence. These risks must be recognised alongside animal welfare concerns in framing a robust response.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Policy Recommendations to Prevent Catapult Attacks on Animals<\/h2>\n\n\n<p data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"730\">Ending <strong data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"508\">catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> requires coordinated national action. Laws must evolve, enforcement must strengthen, and online platforms must be held to account. The following reforms are essential to protect rabbits, hares, and wildlife across the UK.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"737\" data-end=\"785\"><strong data-start=\"741\" data-end=\"785\">1. Ban or Restrict the Sale of Catapults<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"787\" data-end=\"1144\">The sale of high-powered catapults must be regulated to prevent misuse.<br data-start=\"858\" data-end=\"861\" \/>\u2022 Introduce a nationwide ban, or restrict sales to individuals aged 18 and above.<br data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"945\" \/>\u2022 Prohibit the sale and use of <strong data-start=\"976\" data-end=\"999\">steel ball bearings<\/strong>, which inflict severe and often fatal injuries.<br data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1050\" \/>\u2022 Consider a licensing system for legitimate sporting, historical, or professional purposes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1447\">These steps would significantly reduce access to weapons used in animal cruelty cases.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1146\" data-end=\"1447\">For reference, similar restrictions already exist in <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1365\">Australia and New Zealand<\/a>, where catapults are controlled under public safety and wildlife protection laws.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1454\" data-end=\"1497\"><strong data-start=\"1458\" data-end=\"1497\">2. Increase Penalties for Offenders<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1887\">The law should impose tougher consequences on those who harm animals.<br data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1571\" \/>\u2022 Introduce <strong data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1616\">mandatory custodial sentences<\/strong> for severe or repeat acts of cruelty involving catapults.<br data-start=\"1674\" data-end=\"1677\" \/>\u2022 Enforce penalties under the <strong data-start=\"1707\" data-end=\"1734\">Animal Welfare Act 2006<\/strong>, which allows for up to five years\u2019 imprisonment.<br data-start=\"1784\" data-end=\"1787\" \/>\u2022 Enhance policing in sensitive areas such as nature reserves, public parks, and rural properties.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"2008\">Stronger sentencing creates deterrence. It also affirms that deliberate violence towards animals will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2065\"><strong data-start=\"2019\" data-end=\"2065\">3. Hold Social Media Platforms Accountable<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2307\">Social media companies play a direct role in spreading cruelty. Under the <strong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2167\">Online Safety Act 2023<\/strong>, platforms have a statutory duty of care to remove harmful content. However, this duty is not yet applied consistently to animal cruelty.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2309\" data-end=\"2652\">\u2022 Require platforms to remove violent animal abuse content promptly.<br data-start=\"2377\" data-end=\"2380\" \/>\u2022 Impose substantial fines for failure to do so.<br data-start=\"2428\" data-end=\"2431\" \/>\u2022 Redirect part of these fines to frontline animal welfare charities. Particularly small animal and wildlife organisations\u2014who bear the brunt of these cases and provide vital care and rehabilitation.<br data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2547\" \/>\u2022 When criminal offences are identified, platforms must pass evidence to the authorities without delay.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2809\"><strong data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2685\">Catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> often begin as online \u201cchallenges.\u201d Enforcing platform accountability will break this cycle of entertainment-based cruelty.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"2860\"><strong data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"2860\">4. Embed Animal Welfare in Education<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2862\" data-end=\"3119\">Education is a long-term solution. Schools should teach empathy and the legal consequences of cruelty.<br data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"2967\" \/>\u2022 Deliver targeted lessons on the link between <strong data-start=\"3014\" data-end=\"3055\">animal abuse and antisocial behaviour<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"3056\" data-end=\"3059\" \/>\u2022 Promote compassion and responsibility from an early age.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3121\" data-end=\"3199\">By teaching children to respect animals, we prevent violence before it starts.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3252\"><strong data-start=\"3210\" data-end=\"3252\">5. Strengthen Law Enforcement Capacity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3254\" data-end=\"3569\">The ability of police forces to investigate and prosecute cruelty is crucial.<br data-start=\"3331\" data-end=\"3334\" \/>\u2022 Allocate dedicated funding for <strong data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3401\">rural and wildlife crime units<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"3402\" data-end=\"3405\" \/>\u2022 Provide specialist training to identify and track online cruelty trends.<br data-start=\"3479\" data-end=\"3482\" \/>\u2022 Encourage collaboration between police, councils, and animal welfare organisations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3571\" data-end=\"3688\">As a result, officers can respond faster, collect stronger evidence, and protect vulnerable animals more effectively.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3746\"><strong data-start=\"3699\" data-end=\"3746\">6. Encourage Public Awareness and Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3748\" data-end=\"4092\">Public involvement is vital. Awareness campaigns can expose the cruelty of <strong data-start=\"3823\" data-end=\"3854\">catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> and empower communities to act.<br data-start=\"3886\" data-end=\"3889\" \/>\u2022 Launch nationwide campaigns through local councils and NGOs.<br data-start=\"3951\" data-end=\"3954\" \/>\u2022 Create anonymous reporting tools for citizens who witness cruelty.<br data-start=\"4022\" data-end=\"4025\" \/>\u2022 Share success stories to encourage more people to come forward.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4094\" data-end=\"4157\">Collective vigilance can help stop cruelty before it escalates.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Further Considerations and Next Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n<p data-start=\"468\" data-end=\"668\">While the above proposals set out clear and urgent priorities, several additional measures could further strengthen protection against <strong data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"634\">catapult attacks on animals<\/strong> and improve enforcement outcomes.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"703\">Specificity of Restrictions<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"1013\">Licensing systems should be considered for legitimate uses, such as sporting or historical activities. The law could also restrict high-powered catapult designs, introduce mandatory age verification for buyers, and require safe-handling education. These steps would close loopholes and ensure responsible use.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1015\" data-end=\"1043\">Enforcement Challenges<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1367\">Effective enforcement will require clear resources and coordination. Strengthening rural policing, encouraging public reporting, and building partnerships between law enforcement and wildlife organisations are essential. Without these measures, bans or restrictions may prove difficult to uphold consistently across the UK.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1369\" data-end=\"1400\">International Comparisons<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1401\" data-end=\"1709\">Countries such as Australia and New Zealand have already restricted or banned catapults to protect wildlife and public safety. Their approaches demonstrate that national regulation can be both practical and effective. The UK can learn from these models to develop proportionate but firm laws against cruelty.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1736\">Focus on Prevention<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"2043\">Legal reform alone cannot solve the problem. Prevention is key. Community education programmes, public awareness campaigns, and early-intervention initiatives can help deter acts of cruelty before they escalate. Engaging with at-risk youth and embedding empathy-based education will build long-term change.<\/p>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Ending Catapult Attacks on Animals<\/h1>\n\n\n<p data-start=\"2101\" data-end=\"2336\">The deliberate use of catapults to harm rabbits, hares, birds, and other animals is both <strong data-start=\"2190\" data-end=\"2207\">morally wrong<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2236\">illegal under UK law<\/strong>. Every injured animal reflects a wider failure of policy, enforcement, and social responsibility.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2752\">To address this cruelty, the UK must:<br data-start=\"2375\" data-end=\"2378\" \/>\u2022 Ban or strictly regulate catapult sales and steel projectiles.<br data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2445\" \/>\u2022 Enforce harsher penalties under the <strong data-start=\"2483\" data-end=\"2510\">Animal Welfare Act 2006<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2514\" \/>\u2022 Hold social media companies accountable under the <strong data-start=\"2566\" data-end=\"2592\">Online Safety Act 2023<\/strong>.<br data-start=\"2593\" data-end=\"2596\" \/>\u2022 Equip law enforcement with the tools and training required to act effectively.<br data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2679\" \/>\u2022 Integrate animal welfare education into schools and youth programmes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2754\" data-end=\"2926\">Protecting animals from deliberate harm will also protect young people from exposure to violence and desensitisation. Teaching compassion today prevents cruelty tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public Campaigns and Call to Action<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>A formal petition calling for these reforms will be launched shortly, building on growing public momentum. Existing petitions \u2014 including the <a href=\"https:\/\/you.38degrees.org.uk\/petitions\/end-catapult-cruelty\">38 Degrees petition to end catapult cruelty<\/a> and the<a href=\"https:\/\/petition.parliament.uk\/petitions\/701064\"> UK Parliament petition to ban public carrying and sale of catapults<\/a>\u2014 demonstrate widespread concern across the UK.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3354\" data-end=\"3584\">This new petition invites <strong data-start=\"3380\" data-end=\"3453\">animal welfare groups, rural communities, educators, and policymakers<\/strong> to unite for reform:<br data-start=\"3474\" data-end=\"3477\" \/>\u2022 Ban or restrict catapults.<br data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3508\" \/>\u2022 Strengthen sentencing and enforcement.<br data-start=\"3548\" data-end=\"3551\" \/>\u2022 Ensure online accountability.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3586\" data-end=\"3717\">Together, we can end <strong data-start=\"3607\" data-end=\"3638\">catapult attacks on animals<\/strong>, uphold compassion, and protect both animals and people from senseless harm.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3719\" data-end=\"4038\">Learn more about our broader work <a href=\"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/\">Hop to Save Rabbits.<\/a><br data-start=\"3825\" data-end=\"3828\" \/>Read our global <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" href=\"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/?p=89\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1607\" data-end=\"1701\">Ban Rabbit Meat campaign<\/a> to see how international advocacy is driving progress.<\/p>\n<p>Together, we can work to end this cruelty and protect both our animals and our communities.\u00a0<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The deliberate use of catapults to target animals\u2014known as catapult attacks on animals\u2014is a growing welfare crisis in the UK. These acts cause unnecessary suffering, injury, and death, breaching national animal cruelty laws. Weapon-linked attacks on animals have risen sharply, with a reported 23% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. While catapult [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Catapult Attacks on Animals | UK Animal Welfare Report<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How catapult attacks on animals are rising across the UK. Discover how new laws, education, and enforcement can end cruelty and protect rabbits and wildlife.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/hoptosaverabbits.org\/?p=274\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Catapult Attacks on Animals | UK Animal Welfare Report\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How catapult attacks on animals are rising across the UK. 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