Petition To Drop Plans For Licensing Air Guns

[KeithW]

I don't want to be negative but this might be too soon. These online petitions last 6 months. It will probably take that long for the consultation material to even be looked at. Can the petition be extended?

I agree, too early. There are no plans as yet (though of course we are all concerned as to what may come). The consultation hasn't even closed yet, then it will be digested and kicked around before any changes to the law are drafted.

IMO it's far better at this time to write to your MP expressing your concerns that unnecessary laws might be drafted in a knee jerk response to occasional idiocy and pet cruelty. Existing laws are adequate, for example airguns must be kept where children can't see them or get hold of them. The police can't monitor this law as it stands, in other words it only comes into play after an offence has been committed (some kid shot someone else / pet cat), and is no deterrent. Similarly for the reckless or dangerous use of an airgun ... it doesn't deter anyone.

Passing a new law would be expensive and ineffective. IMO a more effective way to reduce dangerous use by idiot users would be for gun retailers to A) provide at point of sale a verbal briefing on safe use and the law, B) provide the same information in written form - a flyer C) require the purchaser to sign a form, confirming they've received the briefing. I have no problem with the retailer recording the purchasers details at the same time (its logical). In addition local retailers should pass on details of local airgun gun clubs where new shooters can gain some good advice.

That's a no cost / low cost way of raising the awareness of airgun safety. If the government was determined to spend money they could run a public awareness campaign which would have the advantage of costing less than introducing and policing (effectively) a new law - such a campaign could be regularly tweaked. And if the Airgun Manufacturers and Dealers Association got together to implement the measures detailed as A,B,C above the government would love them for it, and could go back to the Cat's Protection League with a positive message.

[peddy]

Done, dam good idea

[rancidtom]

Signed, just in case!

[WILBA]

Done. Signed and replied to email.

[junglie]

Done it too.

[keith49]

done.

[adiepie]

Done!

[Jesim1]

Done.

[look no hands]

Done.

Pete

[grieva]

All done.

[offtarget]

OK Done

[Ragle Jnr]

Done, now 2001 signatures! David

[dm800]

Done it.

[Samson79]

Done and needs sharing on all airgun/facebook groups.

[lensman57]

Really well done gentlemen.I didn't expect so many responses so quickly,.

A.G