Kent Police appeal after ducks killed and ducklings injured in suspected catapult attack at Sheerness waterway

The force is treating the matter as a criminal investigation involving the alleged unlawful harming of wild birds. Kent Police have asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact the force, and have indicated that information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Legal Protection for Wild Birds

Wild birds, including most duck species, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird, according to UK government legislation. The act also prohibits damage or destruction of nests and eggs, except under specific licence conditions.

Using a catapult or similar device to deliberately harm animals can constitute offences under both the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and provides for up to six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine for certain animal cruelty offences, though maximum penalties have been increased to up to five years’ imprisonment for the most serious cruelty offences under subsequent legislative changes.

The Investigation Continues

The Fleet is a waterway and green space area in Sheerness, within the Swale district of Kent, commonly used by local residents for walking and recreation. The area is known to support wildfowl such as ducks.

Kent Police have issued public appeals for information about wildlife crime, antisocial behaviour and criminal damage. Calls for witnesses and CCTV or phone footage form part of their investigative strategy in such cases.

According to official crime statistics, Kent Police recorded 5,790 incidents of criminal damage and arson in the Swale local authority area, which includes Sheerness, in the year to March 2025. However, specific figures for recorded wildlife crime or offences involving catapults against animals in Sheerness or Kent are not routinely published in disaggregated form.

Community Response

Local organisations that may be involved or consulted alongside Kent Police in such cases include Swale Borough Council, which is responsible for many local parks and open spaces, Kent Wildlife Trust for wildlife and habitat issues, and the RSPCA for animal welfare concerns.

Animal welfare and conservation organisations view deliberate harm to wild birds as animal cruelty and wildlife crime, stressing the legal protection of wild birds and calling for enforcement and public reporting of such offences.

The incident may prompt increased patrols or targeted policing activity around The Fleet and other Sheerness waterways, as Kent Police and partner agencies often respond to crime or antisocial behaviour hotspots with visible presence and engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Two adult ducks were found dead and two ducklings injured in a suspected catapult attack at The Fleet waterway in Sheerness
• Kent Police are treating the incident as a criminal matter involving the alleged unlawful harming of protected wild birds
• Wild birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with penalties including imprisonment and unlimited fines for deliberate harm

Information Appeal

Residents in Sheerness and wider Kent are being asked by Kent Police to come forward with information, CCTV, dashcam or phone footage that may help identify suspects in this investigation. The incident affects Kent residents who use The Fleet and surrounding Sheerness green spaces. Reports about this or similar incidents can be made to Kent Police via the non-emergency number 101 or online reporting forms, and anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.