My Take: Gunning for urban shooters
Monkeys seem to be prime targets, but dogs and cats have been shot as well.
ANNIE, don’t get your gun… as it might just backfire if tough, new firearm laws are rubber-stamped.
Firing one’s pistol into a swimming pool for fun might turn out to be not-so-funny and even potshots at pets, birds and pesky monkeys with pellet guns could earn one a spell in the clink.
No names, no pack drill, but the Mail has had reports that the pool ‘shoutout’ actually happened quite recently. It’s hush-hush, of course, but the shots echoed around Scottburgh.
The Draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill was gazetted for comment last week and, if it is passed by Parliament, gun controls will be tightened up considerably.
For example, every single gun in South Africa will have to have ballistic testing and a microdot. Plus, even pointing a gun at someone without a very good reason could earn a “minimum” five years in prison.
“Backyard shooting” – even with an airgun – is illegal, but everyone does it, it seems.
Tracy Rowles says that monkeys are prime targets and her sanctuary at Umkomaas regularly treats wounded animals.
The SPCA says cats and dogs are also shot.
The bottom line is that firing any sort of firearm in a built-up area is illegal. Animal organisations and the SAPS have sworn to investigate any reports and they have appealled to law abiding citizens to blow the whistle.
They are determined to transform South Africa from a “gun sly” to “gun shy” country.
