WIREDGOV

Justice Secretary sees impact air weapon crime has on animals.

The impact of air weapon crime on animals was highlighted to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill earlier during a visit to the Scottish SPCA’s centre in Edinburgh.

Mr MacAskill was briefed by Chief Supt Mike Flynn at the facility in Balerno and heard about animals severely maimed and even killed following deliberate air gun attacks.

He also met Sarah Nisbett from Winchburgh and her cat Teenie, its leg amputated after it was shot three times with an air gun in March. Also living at the centre is cat Blackie, who narrowly escaped death after an air gun attack in Fife.

There are believed to be roughly half a million unlicensed air weapons in Scotland. Last month the Scottish Government announced plans to introduce an air gun licensing scheme as part of its Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill. The scheme would not ban air guns, just ensure they are used for legitimate reasons by responsible people.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

“Today I have seen the suffering and distress misuse of these guns can cause to animals and the owners who care for them.

“This underlines the simple truth that far from being harmless toys, these are potentially lethal weapons with the capacity to maim and kill .

“We remain absolutely committed to a licensing scheme which is practical and sensible and will ensure that those who wish to use air guns responsibly for sports, target shooting and pest control can continue to do so.

“At the same time it will go a long way towards protecting the public, pets and wildlife from such painful and pointless tragedies caused by the irresponsible misuse of these firearms.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent MBE, Mike Flynn added:

“Every year a large number of animals, like Teenie, are maimed or killed by people using airguns irresponsibly.

“Blackie the cat is one of the latest victims and he is extremely lucky to be alive after being shot in the head in Comrie, Fife.

“If the pellet had hit Blackie a centimetre to the left or right it could have resulted in brain damage or even death.

“This appears to have been a deliberate and sickening attack against a defenceless pet and we are currently trying to trace his owner, who we are sure must be very worried about him.

“We are appealing to anyone who knows who is responsible for shooting Blackie to search their conscience and report them to our animal helpline or the police.

“Anyone who thinks it is acceptable to use an airgun in this way has no consideration for the welfare of others and should not be in possession of such a dangerous weapon.

“We welcome the Scottish Government's plans to include an airgun licensing scheme as part of the Licensing Bill 2012 as we believe this will help prevent horrific attacks such as this.

“The licensing scheme would ensure that only those with a lawful reason are allowed to possess an airgun and it will also help the police trace anyone using an airgun irresponsibly.”

ENDS

Background

The Scottish Government has a long standing commitment to regulate air weapons.

The recently introduced Air Weapons and Licensing Bill will:

• clearly define the air weapons subject to licensing
• follow the principles and practice of existing firearms law
• enable a fit person to obtain a licence to own, possess and shoot an air weapon without compromising public safety
• ensure appropriate enforcement of the new regime with suitable offences and penalties.

Air weapons accounted for almost half (47 per cent) of all offences allegedly involving a firearm in 2012-13 a 10 per cent increase from 2011-12.

While the overall number of air weapon offences has fallen, they are not reducing as quickly as offences involving other firearms.