Wildlife safer as Scotland licences airguns
Posted 31st December 2016
Scottish airgun law comes into force
The requirement for airguns to be licensed came about following the death of a toddler, Andrew Morton, who was killed by an airgun in 2005. The Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill, also known as Andrew's Law, was passed in 2015 and came into force on 31st December 2016.
There are around 500,000 airguns in Scotland and while most will be used with care, a large number of animals, including wild animals and pets, have fallen victim to people using them. Figures from the Scottish SPCA suggest that around 200 reports of animals being killed or injured are made each year, but the League Against Cruel Sports believes the real total is much higher as animals shot by airguns may die out of sight.
Robbie Marsland, Director of League Against Cruel Sports Scotland, said: "Today, Scotland became a safer place for both people and animals. Air guns can hurt, maim and kill and it is entirely right that they are treated similarly to firearms."
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For further information please contact the League’s Press Office on 01483 524250 or email press@league.org.uk