optimistic Posted April 29, 2012 Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 Hi, i was wondering if anyone knew anything about firearms laws? i.e how far from neighbours, roads do you have to be, what are the laws about discharging a firearm at night in the winter when it's dark? Finally anything about legalities of someone shooting your families pet cats? Have already contacted SSPCA who advised us to contact the police which i did initially in November 2011, twice again this year and they haven't got back to me again. Feeling very let down by the justice system Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJ Posted April 29, 2012 Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 I can't believe they didn't get back to you! I was horrified when I read what happened! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
optimistic Posted April 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 It took them til after christmas to come and see us the first time, due to the length of time and no room in the freezer the remains of the first cat had to be buried! I'm vexed i didna take photo's because she was littered with shotgun pellets all up her breast area into her neck, must have been facing the accused and shot at relatively close range so hopefully it was a quick death Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJ Posted April 29, 2012 Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 I personally burst into tears when I read your daughter's status on facebook. It's a nightmare, I can find stuff in the Scottish parliament's educational resources, but nothing more specific other than it's an offence. I've not known any prosecutions up here for cats, dogs yes, not cats. But seen plenty south. Good luck. wish I could do anything to help. I personally think it's a poor show by Northern Constabulary. If they can come out in less than 30mins for a clipped wing mirror, over a month for the misuse of a firearm is appalling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
optimistic Posted April 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 I've trawled the internet looking for info too but can't find anything specific to our case. I think it's important for my daughter to have justice after the devastating effect it's had on her and to know people can't get away with things like this, we've lost 3 cats now since november '11. Thanks for your support Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulb Posted April 29, 2012 Report Share Posted April 29, 2012 it happens quite often een them shooting into fields of livestock. had a spent bullet hit one of our windows. call me a coward i dont fancy shouting at someone with a gun. by the time the poice would have got there they would have been gone. the driveby shooting is the worst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zebbidy Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Hi, i was wondering if anyone knew anything about firearms laws? i.e how far from neighbours, roads do you have to be, what are the laws about discharging a firearm at night in the winter when it's dark? Finally anything about legalities of someone shooting your families pet cats? Have already contacted SSPCA who advised us to contact the police which i did initially in November 2011, twice again this year and they haven't got back to me again. Feeling very let down by the justice system here is scottish law containing all about firearms.. Firearms Source: Firearms Act 1968 Definition of a firearm: A lethal barrelled weapon of any description from which any shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged, and includes any 'prohibited weapon', whether lethal barrelled or not, any component part of such a lethal or prohibited weapon and any accessory to such weapons which are designed or adapted to diminish the sound or flash caused by firing the weapon. Ages Section 1 firearm/ammunition - Under 14 years Possession of firearm/ammunition only in the following circumstances: gun bearer member of rifle club shooting gallery calibre n/e .23" member of a cadet corps when engaged in target or drill practice No gift or loan of firearm permitted. 14- 17 years as above under authority of firearm certificate A firearm may be gifted or loaned. Shotgun/ammunition - Under 15 years Must hold a shotgun certificate. If shotgun is assembled: person must be supervised by a person 21 or over, or the gun is covered in a gun cover No gift of shotgun permitted. 15 years and over Shotgun certificate required. Shotgun may be gifted or loaned. Air weapon/ammunition Under 14 years public place (not air pistol), covered and supervised private premises -supervised member of rifle club at shooting gallery No gift permitted. 14 -17 years As above but no supervision required. May be gifted or loaned. 17 years May now purchase or hire any firearm or ammunition and possess an air pistol in a public place. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- but this is the bit you should pay attention too Common offences Section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968, makes it an offence to have in any public place, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse (the proof whereof shall lie with him/her) any of the following: A loaded shotgun A loaded air weapon Any other firearm loaded, or unloaded if the person also has suitable ammunition in his/her possession Section 20 of the Act creates an offence for any person, in possession of a firearm, to trespass onto any land or buildings, without reasonable excuse (the proof whereof shall lie with him/her) It is a crime at common law for any person to recklessly discharge a firearm, whether or not actual injury is caused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
optimistic Posted May 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Thanks for that info, the gun was discharged deliberately as an act of cruelty on the neighbours property which i think makes it more difficult to prosecute? i can't find much specific to our case, i'll keep looking though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJ Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 It is a pity it's against T&Cs to name and shame Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest posiedon Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 It is a pity it's against T&Cs to name and shameIt wouldn't infringe the T and Cs for optimistic to post his/her address, a lot of folk could garner from that, who the neighbour (from hell) is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulb Posted May 2, 2012 Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 maybe not wise to upset the nutter with the gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
optimistic Posted May 3, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 3, 2012 I think i'll keep the finer details to myself as i think we'd end up with a lot of problems as a result! Was just trying to get some details to take to the police to see if they would do something about it, you can't blame my daughter for thinking there's no point in reporting anything to the police as they won't do anything about it, i'm sure if it was a teenage boy weilding a firearm and shooting the neighbours cats they would act much quicker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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