A number of constituents have been contacting me about catapults and their wish for them to be excluded as prohibited weapons so as to prevent animal suffering.
This is a disturbing and growing phenomenon. In addition to causing animal suffering, it is, as we now know, an indicator of what those perpetrators may go on to do and other crimes they may commit.
The government is clear that catapults should not be used for illegal purposes, whether against people, wildlife or property, and it is an offence to carry in public without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
I am assured that that the Government will keep all relevant legislation under review. 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 and 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 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.
