Licensing for air weapons is imminent

THE SCOTTISH Government has joined forces with animal charity Scottish SPCA to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the new air weapons legislation coming into force at the end of this year.

The new law is being introduced to improve public safety and reduce gun crime by taking air weapons out of the hands of those who would misuse them.

Owners or users of such weapons will require a certificate under the new rules introduced in the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015, which comes into force from December 31 2016.

Those who no longer want their weapon will be able to hand them into Police Scotland between Monday May 23 and Sunday June 12, at 72 stations across the country.

The campaign was launched last Tuesday (May 17) and was supported by Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn and mum- of-three Elaine Boyle of Renfrew, whose pet kitten was shot with an airgun. Fizz had to have one of her back legs amputated after her thighbone was shattered in the cruel attack.

Mr Flynn said: ‘We welcome the Scottish Government’s licensing scheme, which will help ensure air weapons are only used responsibly and lawfully. This is a major step forward for animal welfare in Scotland and it sends out a strong message that mindless acts of violence using air weapons will not be tolerated.’

Ms Boyle said: ‘Air weapons in the hands of those who misuse them can cause absolute devastation to families like ours who have had innocent pets maimed or even killed.’

Air weapons owners will be able to apply to Police Scotland for a certificate from July 1. Anyone found guilty of committing an offence under the new laws, including not having a licence, could face either a fine or, in some cases, imprisonment for up to two years.