Scottish SPCA visit highlights need for legislation
16 Jun 2014 04:24 PM
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.