Squirrels are reportedly being killed by a group of men with catapults in Belfairs Woods, Leigh-on-Sea.
Multiple reports have been made about a group who have been seen by woodland walkers, using professional catapults to fire metal bolts at squirrels.
Ronnie Havis witnessed it and said: “I’m just so shocked They were doing it in front of everyone, even children. I had to explain to my 4-year-old that the squirrels are sleeping as he was asking why they are laying on the floor.”
Belfairs Councillor, Stephen Aylen, said: “The council team have been in the park on several days to try and catch them. What will happen if they miss and hit somebody? They are carrying a weapon in a public place as well.
“They have a dog and they shoot the squirrels while the dog goes and gets them, this has been reported across the entire Christmas period and started around December 16.
“It is just unnecessary, you just don’t do that as you can wound the animal and while people have mixed opinions on squirrels, you cannot go around shooting them using marbles and now nuts and bolts. It astounds me.”
However, some local residents noted that squirrels are a source of food in some cultures. James Vaughn said: “To be honest, they taste rather nice. I myself have eaten a few squirrels and recommend to cook two for a hearty meal.
“They probably shouldn’t be using bolts though, as this in itself is polluting. As far as I am aware, you are allowed to kill squirrels without a licence. It would be interesting to see if this is a legal matter, because of the status of the land.”
Essex Police has confirmed their rural engagement officers are now actively investigating the reports of people firing catapults in Belfairs Wood.
After the latest reports on Saturday 11 January, officers attended and patrolled the woods, speaking to families and dog walkers.
Sergeant Paul Brady of Essex Police said: “Belfairs Wood is well-used by people of all ages. The potential consequences of firing a catapult in this environment are unthinkable. We understand the concerns of those people who rang us to report this incident.
“We’ve already been sent photographs of a squirrel that appears to have been killed by a catapult shot and we’re seeking to identify those responsible for this cruel crime.
“We want to hear from anyone who was walking in the woods between 12.30 and 3pm on Saturday 11 January to contact us with information if you saw anything suspicious.
“Most people want to enjoy the beautiful countryside our county has to offer but an irresponsible few want to cause pain and suffering to the wildlife it contains. They view it as harmless fun but it is not. Cruelty to wildlife is illegal.
“We need anyone who sees such activity to report it to us, either online via our website or by ringing 101 but, if it’s a crime in progress or there’s a danger to public safety, ring 999.”
Grey squirrels are regarded as an invasive species in the UK and many landowners and farmers have concerns about them. The grey squirrels have also killed many populations of red squirrels, pushing the species to the brink of extinction in the UK. Trapping or shooting grey squirrels to kill them is legal.
The RSPCA says that killing any wildlife should only be considered if there’s a serious problem and the alternative non-lethal means are ineffective or impractical. It also should only be carried out by a professional, using methods that are precisely targeted and carried out in the most humane way possible.