What's happened
Children in the UK are using catapults to kill and torture animals, sharing footage on WhatsApp groups. Essex Police are investigating the disturbing trend, while MP Henry Smith is calling for sanctions on the sale or use of catapults for harming wildlife.
Why it matters
The cruel acts of children using catapults to harm animals in the UK are a concerning trend that has prompted investigations by law enforcement and calls for legal changes. The impact on wildlife and the distress caused by these actions highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect animals from such cruelty.
What the papers say
Sky News reports on the investigation by Essex Police into children using catapults to harm animals, while Metro highlights the distressing footage shared on WhatsApp groups. The call for sanctions on the sale or use of catapults is covered by Sky News and Metro, emphasizing the need for legal changes to prevent such cruelty.
How we got here
The use of catapults by children to harm animals has become a disturbing trend in the UK, with footage of these acts being shared on social media platforms like WhatsApp. While it is not illegal to buy or carry a catapult, causing unnecessary suffering to animals is an offense under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 also prohibits the use of certain weapons to kill animals, but catapults are not included in that list.
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