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Greater Manchester Police, Wigan Council, and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust are sending out a reminder that it is illegal to operate air rifles in public spaces.
The warning follows reports that people have been using the weapons to shoot animals in parks in the Leigh area. Anyone found doing so faces prosecution.
“While some gun enthusiasts may simply be unaware of their legal responsibilities, for instance in ensuring air rifles remain covered in a public places, recent local cases suggest others are openly flouting the law,” said Sally Wolstencroft, Wigan Council’s Head of Safer, Cleaner and Greener.
"Air rifles are not a toy but a lethal weapon. Clearly the use of any firearm must be within the law and it is against the law for a person to use one - or even have one uncovered - in a public park or open space to prevent any risk of deliberate or accidental injury to people or animals.
“Sadly, there is also a small minority of gun users who consider inflicting pain on wildlife as some kind of sick sport. We mirror the concern of other public agencies in the borough and will support the police in their crackdown against this mindless cruelty.
“We do not want to worry the public unduly - incidents are very rare. But we do urge people to be vigilant and report to the police anyone using a firearm in our parks and open spaces or targeting pets and wildlife.”
Air rifles can be purchased from a registered firearms dealer by anyone over the age, but are illegal to use in public.
Owners must be accompanied somebody over the age of 21, and keep their gun covered when in public. When on private land, the land owner's permission must be sought, and shots must not stray beyond its boundaries.
Pete Alker, Parks Officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said: "The birds and animals in parks and open spaces are used to people and are often very confiding because of that. This makes them far more vulnerable to the indiscriminate use of air guns. There is simply no place for this sort of activity in any of our parks and public open spaces."
