IN REFERENCE to the article entitled “Shot kitten owners want change in airgun laws” and the editorial comment “Time for action”

(The Argus, June 14) call for airgun licensing in line with Scotland and Ireland.

Why is it that Scotland and Northern Ireland, in general, seem to see sense before England and Wales?

To buy an airgun in Northern Ireland and Scotland you must have a valid air weapon certificate.

You cannot purchase, acquire, hire or be gifted an air weapon.

There are two main conditions you would need to satisfy to be granted an air weapon certificate. The first is that you would need a good reason to own an airgun. Secondly, you would need to prove you are a suitable person to have a weapon. Sensible?

After all, we are talking about owning a killing machine, as Benjamin Wragge, aged 13 from Suffolk, found out to his cost after he was killed by an air weapon and 18-month-old Harry Studley who was shot by a neighbour with an air rifle.

It is not just domestic pets who are prime targets for yobs with guns.

I want to see England and Wales follow the example of Northern Ireland and Scotland where it is illegal to own air weapons without a licence. There are now fewer shootings in these two countries because of this gun law.

More than 100,000 people have signed an online and paper Cats Protection petition calling for the licensing of airguns in England and Wales, showing the depth of public feeling on the issue.

If you want airgun controls, there is still time to add your name.

David Hammond
North Court, Hassocks