Ash Residents Come Together To Counter Catapult Attacks On Canal Wildlife

Published on: 18 May, 2025
Updated on: 17 May, 2025

This sign is being put up at locations alongside the canal

By David Reading

More than 50 people turned up at a public meeting in Ash Vale on Thursday evening (May 15) to demonstrate their anger about the catapult attacks on wildlife in the area.

The attacks by teenagers have resulted in serious injuries inflicted on a number of wildfowl on the Basingstoke Canal and at least two of them locally died of their wounds.

See: Ash Vale Residents Call For Firm Action To Stop Catapult Attacks on Canal Wildlife

Angered by the attacks, Ash Vale resident Mark Gould organised a public meeting at St Mary’s Church, at which the strength of feeling became clear.

Comments made by residents at the meeting suggested there may be more catapult incidents than those actually reported to the police, the targets including not only wildlife but also people’s property and their pets.

The police have said that in terms of reported offences, there were three incidents relating to the use of catapults and local wildlife over the last 12 months. One related to youths throwing stones at birds, one using a catapult to aim at birds and one relating to a duck apparently killed by a catapult.

The main focus of Thursday’s meeting was how attacks on wildlife can be most effectively reported to the police. A Surrey police constable told the meeting that effective reporting of all incidents was crucial, so that the police were clear on the true extent of the problem and had the evidence to tackle it.

Next day, Mark Gould said action had already begun. Signs have been designed and ordered providing anyone witnessing attacks on wildlife with a clear explanation of the most effective reporting method. These give the instruction “See it, film it, report it” and carry a QR code enabling people to upload video evidence.

Mr Gould said: “A team of volunteers will be approaching those that live along the canal on the towpath side over the coming weeks.”

He added: “The community care deeply about the wildlife and overall culture in our community. We need to enable the police to identify and hold individuals to account by reporting through the correct channels.”

The Basingstoke Canal at Ash Vale. Picture: Richard Lucas

Reports of the attacks on wildlife have shocked local schools.

Agnes Bailey, headteacher at Ash Manor, said: “We intend to share the shocking reports of these attacks with all our students in order to raise awareness about these awful behaviours and to encourage students to be vigilant when they are out and about.

“We will also provide information to our whole community about how to report any future incidents and encourage students to share any concerns with the police or a trusted adult.”

She said the overwhelming majority of Ash Manor students behaved respectfully at all times and would be equally as shocked by the harm to wildlife that had been caused.

She added: “I will be very disappointed if members of our own school community are involved but if they are, we will identify them to the police.

“We sincerely hope that there will be no further occurrences so that our community spaces are safe and friendly environment for all users.”

Among the attacks reported in The Guildford Dragon recently were the following:

• Four teenagers with catapults firing at ducks on the canal, seriously injuring one of them.
• A coot found dead floating next to its nest. According to a post on social media, a witness had seen it catapulted.

Surrey Police have told The Dragon: “The local PCSO has conducted uniformed patrols locally and is aware of ongoing youth Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) in the wider area.

“Some of the children involved have been identified and one has already been served an ASB warning letter and parents spoken to. There are plans to serve the other children in due course. Patrols will continue and hopefully this meeting will alleviate concerns and urge the public to keep reporting these incidents to us.”

A further action point resulted from Thursday’s meeting. Volunteers will be investigating what CCTV exists at homes backing on to the canal, and residents will be asked for permission to access any images caught in this way so it can be forwarded to the police.

Ash parish councillors are among those shocked by the attacks on wildlife and members have brought them to the attention of Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey  Lisa Townsend, and Guildford Borough Commander Blaine Rafferty.

Cllr Richard Lucas

Local councillor Richard Lucas, who attended and spoke at Thursday’s meeting, said: “It is understandable and right that residents are feeling outraged and disgusted at these attacks on wildlife, pets and property.

“No matter how we feel, we must act effectively, constructively, and legally to these criminal offences. Above all, that means reporting the incidents to the police.

“Surrey Police will allocate resources according to their reported crimes. There is a clear mismatch between the number of reported incidents recently (three logged by the police) and the number of incidents described at the meeting and on social media.

“Venting on social media may make us feel better, but it doesn’t help fix the problem. Mark Gould’s initiative to simplify and publicise the means of reporting these is really helpful, and this needs all of our support.”

The Rev’d Neil Lambert, vicar of St Mary’s, whose church is close to the canal, issued a plea for parents to be vigilant and urged anyone who witnesses attacks on animals to call the police.

He said: “Four years ago I saw three boys shooting a pigeon in the church car park with a catapult. It was shocking to see, and of course they ran off before I could intervene. Now, in 2025, this is becoming a common occurrence in the area. It is a very sad thing to see a beautiful creature lying dead just for the sport of killing or target practise.

“Let’s all be vigilant, ensure our own children do not have access to these items, and report any sightings of individuals carrying the weapons. If you find such a weapon, destroy it or hand it over to the police. Report it every time.”

He also urged people to write to their MP pointing out that catapults should be classified as offensive weapons and managed as such. “They are lethal and we are calling for it to be made illegal for anyone to carry one in public. Please write to your MP, report all incidents to the police, and help save our wildlife from this senseless killing.”

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