Social media trend killing Sussex wildlife, charity warns
The League Against Cruel Sports has recorded 49 cases of animals being hurt using catapults in the county this year
A social media trend is thought to be behind the death or serious injuring of Sussex wildlife.
The League Against Cruel Sports has recorded 49 cases of animals being hurt using catapults in the county this year.
It's after videos have been appearing online of young people targeting birds with metal ball bearings in order to "score points".
Russ Middleton, from the charity, says he's seen children as young as 8 partaking in the trend:
"They're shooting them off of lampposts in car parks, in town centres, they're walking around shopping precincts and shooting them off the roofs," he described.
"So it's very much happening in and around people, which is the real concern as well."
Last month, up to 30 dead pigeons were found dead at Chichester train station, with a vet later identifying they'd been injured with ball bearings.
British Transport Police are investigating the incident.
Russ continued that the videos "get lots of comments from other people who may influence them to go and try it as well."
The League is now urging for social media platforms to crack down on this type of content, as well as calling for stricter legislation around who can purchase them.
In the meantime, Russ urged members of the public to report any incidents:
"Without putting yourself in danger, if it's happening there and then, phone 999 and report it and you can mention Operation Lakeshot.
"If it's after the event, you can still contact the police on 101.
"But we also desperately need you to dual report to us at the League Against Cruel Sports because we're the national point of collection of data and we can give help and advice as well."