Thank you for contacting me about the use of catapults and antisocial behaviour.
Under the provisions in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 and Animal Welfare Act 2006, there are a range of offences around injuring and inflicting unnecessary suffering on wildlife. In the event that a member of the public believes that such an event has taken place, they are encouraged to report the matter to the police so they can investigate.
The misuse of catapults does constitute anti-social behaviour. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 already provides the police, local authorities and other local agencies with a range of flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social behaviour.
Catapults do have some legitimate uses, for example when fishing to accurately and efficiently disperse bait into the water. At present the Government considers that existing legislation provides the correct balance between protecting the public from the small number of individuals who misuse catapults, while also allowing the public to enjoy legitimate pastimes. There are no plans to prevent the possession of catapults in public at this time, however, we will continue to keep all relevant legislation under review in the interests of public safety.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
