Make it an offence to carry a catapult in public without lawful defence
Change the law so catapult possession in public is an offence. Currently, police must prove intent or use to cause harm. We propose it becomes an absolute offence, like air rifles, without lawful defence. Rising attacks on people, animals, and wildlife show stronger powers are needed.
Signatures
41,238
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 10,000/10,000 · reached
Debate threshold (100,000) · 41,238/100,000
- 23 APR 2026Petition closedFinal total: 41,238 signatures
- 16 DEC 2025Government respondedHome OfficeGovernment reply
There are laws that can already be used against individuals who use catapults as a weapon, but the Government understands the concerns and is actively looking at this issue.
Read full response - 27 OCT 202510,000 signatures reachedEligible for a government response
- 23 OCT 2025Petition opened for signatures
Background
Catapults are increasingly linked to assaults, criminal damage, and rising wildlife attacks. Making public possession an absolute offence like air rifles with age checks, and a licensing scheme for legitimate uses like angling, would give police stronger powers.