A disturbing trend on TikTok has sparked serious animal welfare concerns in Gloucestershire, where pigeons are being targeted and injured by catapults. Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre has reported several cases of pigeons suffering from injuries consistent with being shot by these weapons.
One troubling case involved a pigeon found in Gloucester on March 2, rescued after being shot by a group of children using a catapult. The bird sustained a severe injury to its lower neck, a wound the charity confirmed was consistent with catapult trauma. Thankfully, after thorough X-ray examinations showed no fractures, the pigeon received pain relief and fluid therapy before being successfully released back into the wild on March 16.
Another incident involved a woodpigeon discovered grounded on February 17. Although initially treated for injuries—including a chest wound likely caused by a catapult—the bird showed no improvement and was readmitted. The charity’s vets diagnosed spinal trauma after noting reduced wing function and poor grip in the bird’s left foot. Regrettably, the bird had to be euthanized to alleviate suffering.
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The treatments for these cases have cost the charity nearly £300, highlighting the financial as well as ethical impact of such cruel acts.
A spokesperson from Vale Wildlife Hospital emphasized the link between this harmful behavior and disturbing TikTok trends, remarking: “We have noticed a troubling pattern where young people film themselves harming wildlife for social media attention. Implementing a minimum purchase age of 18 for catapults would be a positive step in preventing these senseless acts of cruelty.”
This troubling phenomenon calls for increased awareness and stronger protective measures to safeguard vulnerable wildlife from needless harm.