diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/stunbaton.dm b/code/game/objects/items/stunbaton.dm
index d6f6bc58fd..1a6f9ad3ab 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/stunbaton.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/stunbaton.dm
@@ -210,5 +210,5 @@
 	sparkler.activate_cooldown = 5
 
 /obj/item/melee/baton/cattleprod/baton_stun()
-	sparkler.activate()
+	sparkler?.activate()
 	return ..()