Many rules and regulations affect our everyday lives. Some of them we take for granted but when it comes to guns it is important to take the law very seriously. Failure to comply could lead to confiscation and revocation of your shotgun certificate.
Here is a short reminder of a few regulations that affect shooting and handling of shotguns:
- It is an offence to possess a shotgun without a current shotgun certificate (except in certain circumstances).
- One certificate holder may borrow a shotgun from another for 72 hours maximum, without notifying the police or entering details on the borrower’s certificate.
- It is an offence to be in possession of a loaded shotgun in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
- A person under 15 must not be in possession of a shotgun unless under the supervision of a person aged 21 or over who holds a shotgun certificate.
- Wild birds are protected and must only be shot during the open season if applicable (for example, pheasants and partridges) or, if they are “pests”, under general licence in order to prevent serious damage or disease (e.g. pigeons and magpies).
- It is your responsibility to ensure unauthorised people cannot access your guns.
- It is not a requirement to keep cartridges secure but it is good practice to do so.
There are further good practices that gun owners should follow; for example, concerning the transport of guns in your car.
Guns and ammunition should be kept out of sight, preferably in a locked luggage compartment in their slips or cases. If you have to leave your vehicle, park it where you can see it – if at all possible. The vehicle must be locked and any anti-theft devices set. It is a good idea to park in a manner that prevents easy access to the part of the vehicle containing your guns, such as backing the car very close to a wall to make it difficult for a thief to open the boot. Where possible, remove the fore-end of the shotgun and take it with you. Various security devices are also available to give greater protection.
Remember the old adage: “ignorance is no defence”. Never guess at the law or assume familiarity with Codes of Practice. If in doubt, contact the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (www.basc.org.uk) or your local police firearms licensing department.
For information about any aspect of rural business law contact Annabelle Savage at Birkett Long LLP on 01206 217353 or annabelle.savage@birkettlong.co.uk
