43 parakeets found dead in Orpington park as council backs police probe
Bromley Council confirms assistance to police after a wave of catapult attacks on birds in Priory Gardens, with wildlife groups urging tighter controls on the weapons.
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Bromley Council confirmed on 29 July 2026 that it is assisting police after 43 ring‑necked parakeets were recovered dead from Priory Gardens in Orpington. The birds were found over a three‑week period, with five carcasses reported on Monday. The council spokesperson said the incident remains a concern for residents and park users.
Background to the attacks
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Rae Gellel, director of the Greenwich Wildlife Network, told BBC London that the birds roost together in the trees at night, making them vulnerable to groups using catapults to stun and then shoot them. She noted that similar incidents have been recorded since 2020, affecting squirrels, pigeons, coots and ducks as well as the recent parakeet deaths. Witnesses have described daylight assaults, with some perpetrators filming the acts and posting the footage on TikTok.
Council response
A council spokesperson said the council is working with law‑enforcement agencies to identify those responsible. The statement added that the council appreciates the vigilance of local residents and the Friends of Parks group, whose reports have helped shape the current investigation. No arrests have been announced at this stage.
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Being classed as an invasive or non‑native species does not remove an animal's capacity to suffer, nor does it make deliberate cruelty acceptable.
Rae Gellel, director, Greenwich Wildlife Network
Calls for regulation
The Greenwich Wildlife Network is urging the government to tighten rules on the sale of catapults to anyone under 18. It also asks police to prioritise wildlife crime as a distinct offence. While ring‑necked parakeets are listed as an invasive species, the network stresses that animal‑welfare legislation still applies to any deliberate harm.
Police have not disclosed details of any suspect or the exact method of investigation, but they have appealed for anyone with information to contact the Bromley police team. The council will continue to monitor the park and work with wildlife groups to improve safety for all species.
Questions this report answers
+How many parakeets have been found dead?
Forty‑three ring‑necked parakeets have been recovered dead from Priory Gardens over a three‑week period, including five discovered on Monday, according to the Greenwich Wildlife Network.
+What is Bromley Council doing about the attacks?
Bromley Council says it is assisting police with an ongoing investigation, thanking local residents and the Friends of Parks group for reporting incidents and confirming the matter remains a concern for the community.
+What changes are being demanded to stop future incidents?
The Greenwich Wildlife Network is calling for stricter regulation of catapult sales to under‑18s and for wildlife crime to be given higher priority by law‑enforcement agencies, noting that legal welfare standards still protect even invasive species.
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