Gun law plea to MP (From Stroud News and Journal)

Gun law plea to MP

THE owner of a shot cat is to lobby MP David Drew for tighter laws on BB and airguns.

Steve Bridger, whose cat Tilly was shot in the stomach by an unknown gunman on May 26 is calling on Westminster for compulsory registration of air and BB guns.

He is to meet with David Drew on Saturday when he intends to urge

Mr Drew to push parliament for a registration scheme and tougher penalties on those who use the weapons illegally.

"The scale of misuse is disturbing," said Mr Bridger of Stroud.

"It is clear that something needs to be done to stop more animals being attacked by these idiots."

Tilly has nearly recovered from his ordeal, though he no longer strays far from home. Air and BB guns can be owned by anyone over 14, and bought by those over 17.

Shop owner Alan Tyndall, who sells air guns at Antics on Stroud's High Street said: "The question is, would registration make any difference?

"The use of air guns is already strongly regulated.

"It's what you do with them that turns them into offensive weapons.

"There are always going to be some people who misbehave."