"Pet cat is shot in the face" (The Argus, May 3) is yet another clarion call for the use of airguns to be restricted to gun clubs.

In the article: "Cat shootings prompt call for tighter gun laws" (The Argus, August 29, 2002), the RSPCA claimed it investigated about 800 airgun attacks on animals across England and Wales every year.

Britain's estimated four million air guns account for 70 per cent of firearms held legally and 66 per cent of firearms offences. The cross-party Home Affairs Committee report on controls over firearms session 1999-2000 warned the number of air weapon offences was on the rise, saying: "Any gun capable of killing should be subject to controls."

One restriction would be to limit their use under gun-club conditions, meaning the guns should remain on the licensed premises. This would prevent wanton shootings of animals and humans while allowing responsible gun lovers their pleasure.

I urge readers to write to their respective MPs, asking them to act on their behalf in trying to create more responsible behaviour in the use of airguns through legislation.

-David Hammond, Hassocks