Police Investigate as Catapult Attack on Wildlife Causes Outrage Across Ash

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

The Basingstoke Canal at Ash Vale

By David Reading

Four teenagers with catapults are reported to have been firing at ducks on the Basingstoke Canal at Ash Vale – seriously injuring one of them.

Surrey police have confirmed that they received a report on Sunday (April 13) at around 4pm. Today (Thursday) they said no arrests had been made but an investigation aimed at identifying the four teenagers was ongoing.

The incident caused considerable distress and anger on social media, with local people commenting that the attack was “heartbreaking”, “so cruel” and “sickening”.

It is reported that the injured duck was handed to the canal rangers to be cared for.

In the UK, birds and other creatures are protected under The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and offenders can face fines or jail sentences.

The day after Sunday’s attack, news of the incident was revealed at a meeting of Ash Parish Council, where members were discussing a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) survey being conducted by Surrey Police.

Cllr Fiona White, Chair of the council, said: “There has been anti-social behaviour on and off for a while in this village. It tends to be spasmodic but can be really unpleasant.

“I was particularly upset to read about these catapult attacks on wildlife on the canal yesterday.”

Cllr Fiona White

Discussing the police survey, Cllr White said it was important that people in Ash should take part.

“The idea of the survey is to find out how anti-social behaviour impacts on communities,” she said. “The information gathered will feed into the next Surrey Police and Crime Plan shaping police priorities from 2025-28.”

The survey is run annually and is a way for the police to learn about the ASB issues that matter to people in their neighbourhoods.

Surrey Police said in a message to residents: “We know that ASB is not a minor issue for those involved, and that persistent ASB can be an indicator of serious and organised crime, such as exploitation.

“This survey is an important tool for us to help understand the issues you face, the impact it has on you, and how we can improve our response to ASB.”

The survey is open until Tuesday, May 6.

Access the survey here: https://orlo.uk/GdsXe

Responses to Police Investigate as Catapult Attack on Wildlife Causes Outrage Across Ash

Fiona Thompson Reply

May 4, 2025 at 7:27 am

The attacks on the canal wildlife is becoming more common this is a mindless cruel attack on defenceless wildlife and I urge people to report it when seen.

The wildlife is depleting in numbers along the Basingstoke Canal at Ash Vale canal and has become so nervous this is a sad sight to see. Please everyone be vigilant when enjoying a walk.