A London wildlife charity has reported that 43 ring-necked parakeets were found dead in Priory Gardens, a park in Orpington, south-east London, over a three-week period, after allegedly being targeted by youths using catapults. Greenwich Wildlife Network says groups shine bright lights at roosting birds after dark before firing projectiles at them, a practice it likens to "lamping", with some victims suffering severe wounds, blindness and shattered beaks. The charity's founder, Rae Gellel, says the cruelty may partly be driven by a desire to film and share footage on social media platforms such as TikTok, and that the attacks have caused distress to local residents.

Campaigners say ball bearings, nuts and bolts have been found scattered around the park, and that other species including ducks, geese, pigeons, gulls, squirrels and foxes have also been targeted since attacks were first reported in 2020. Greenwich Wildlife Network is calling for tighter restrictions on catapult sales to under-18s and greater police priority for wildlife crime, and has organised protests including an "End Catapult Cruelty" march through Orpington. A separate parliamentary petition is also seeking to make parents legally responsible for wildlife crimes committed by their children.