Target: Rachel Farrell, Chief Constable, Dorset Police, Dorset, UK
Goal: Stop the reported catapult attacks on wild birds, identify those responsible and ensure appropriate legal consequences if deliberate wildlife cruelty is established.
Wild birds along Dorchester’s River Frome have seemingly been targeted with catapults. Residents have reported a renewed series of attacks on ducks, while pigeons have also reportedly been targeted in the town center. Organizers of the Dorchester Duck Patrol say local ducks have suffered serious injuries and deaths during the reported attacks.
Dorset Police has received an important potential lead. Members of the public supplied clear footage seemingly showing a group of young people suspected of involvement in the latest incident. Police are continuing inquiries to identify those shown. No individual has been publicly established as responsible, and appearing in the footage does not itself prove participation in any alleged attack.
Wild birds receive legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and deliberately injuring or killing them can constitute a criminal offense. Dorchester residents have responded to the reported attacks by organizing volunteer patrols, while neighborhood officers have increased their presence. Authorities must use available footage, witness testimony and other evidence to establish what happened, prevent further harm and hold anyone proven responsible appropriately accountable.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chief Constable Farrell,
Dorchester residents have reported disturbing catapult attacks on wild birds along the River Frome and elsewhere in the town. Local volunteers say ducks have suffered serious injuries and deaths. Police have reportedly received clear footage showing young people suspected of involvement in the latest incident.
No individual has been established as responsible. Please ensure that investigators identify those shown in relevant footage while assessing each person’s alleged involvement separately and fairly. CCTV, firsthand witness accounts and physical evidence could help determine precisely what occurred and whether wildlife offenses were committed.
If evidence establishes that individuals attacked these birds with catapults, please ensure that appropriate legal consequences follow. Continue visible patrols in vulnerable areas and work with local volunteers to deter further incidents. Ducks and other wild birds should not be turned into living targets for high-velocity projectiles. Stop these reported attacks before more animals suffer and ensure meaningful accountability where wrongdoing is proven.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
