The way forward (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

The way forward

7:52am Monday 15th June 2009 in Readers' letters By Telegraph & Argus

SIR – In response to the article ‘Horton Bank Top woman’s pet shot twice with air-gun pellets’ (T&A, June 10), I would like to add the British Association for Shooting and Conservation’s (BASC) voice to those who have condemned the shooting of a dog.

BASC – which produces a joint code of practice for airguns with the Association of Chief Police Officers – believes that there are two strands to reducing the illegal use of airguns.

The first is to enforce the law – some of the strictest in the world with more than 38 different offences under which those who misuse airguns may be prosecuted.

The second is to educate young people about the dangers of misusing airguns and their responsible and safe use.

The Scouts, cadets, shooting clubs and many schools do important and unsung work to this end.

For more information on the safe and legal use of air rifles, visit BASC’s website: basc.org.uk/en/codes-of-practice/air-rifles.cfm.

Helen Shuker, The British Association for Shooting and Conservation, Marford Mill, Rossett, Wrexham