‘Feral monsters’ kill ducks with catapult and leave ducklings injured

Boys who killed two ducks and left multiple ducklings injured after shooting them with catapults have been branded ‘feral monsters.’

The birds were found dead at The Fleet on Sheppey, Kent, over the weekend.

Kent Police confirmed two ducks had been killed and a number of ducklings injured. They want to speak to two boys, aged between 12 and 14 with dark hair, who were in the area at the time.

A statement from Sheerness Town Council said: ‘These innocent animals have suffered horrific and completely unnecessary deaths.

‘Based on the injuries sustained, it is believed that catapults may have been used.

‘This level of cruelty is sickening, unacceptable, criminal, and will not be tolerated.

‘If you think killing animals is amusing, entertaining, or somehow justified, then you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.

‘The deliberate targeting of defenseless wildlife is not a prank. It is not a game – it is an act of cruelty.’

The town council added: ‘Parents also have a responsibility. If you are aware of this behavior and choose to ignore it, excuse it, or turn a blind eye to it, you should seriously reflect on the example you are setting.

‘We want to be absolutely clear. Anyone responsible for these acts should expect to face the consequences of their actions.’

It is not illegal to possess a catapult in public in England but police can act if one is used to cause damage or harm, or if police believe there is intent to do so.

People have also condemned the incident online, describing it as ‘absolutely disgusting’, with those responsible referred to as ‘feral monsters’.

Sheerness Town Council said work is under way to prevent similar incidents and CCTV is being installed at The Fleet.

‘We are also working with Kent Police and other partner agencies to put measures in place to tackle this behavior and protect the wildlife at The Fleet for the future,’ they said.

‘We are asking the public to remain vigilant. If you witness anyone attacking wildlife, using catapults, or engaging in any act of animal cruelty, call 999 immediately. Do not assume someone else has reported it.

‘Our community should be a safe place for people and wildlife alike.
“The senseless killing of defenseless animals has no place in Sheerness. Enough is enough.’

Police confirmed investigations were under way. A spokesman said: ‘Kent Police is appealing for information after two ducks were found deceased and a pair of ducklings were injured near a Sheerness waterway.

‘Officers attended The Fleet near Hawthorn Avenue after the incident was reported at around 11.30am on Saturday.

‘Steps were taken to safeguard remaining wildfowl, and an investigation was commenced that included the examination of available CCTV footage.’

Inspector Julia Bassindale said: ‘We suspect the birds were injured by a catapult and officers are working to identify those responsible.

‘We want to speak to two boys who were seen in the area at the time. They are described as being aged between 12 to 14 with dark hair and were wearing shorts and grey t-shirts.’

A spokesperson for the RSPB said: ‘The intentional illegal killing of any wild bird is a criminal offense which on conviction carries a prison sentence. We are appalled by this incident and urge anyone with information to contact the police.’

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: ‘We are really concerned by any incident targeting animals with weapons. It is totally unacceptable to shoot animals for “fun” – or to harm an animal for target practice.’