dazlindazza Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 I'm just after some advice on the law regarding shooting in a private garden. I have a detached house with a rather large garden that backs on to woods, but has neighbouring gardens on either side. We've got a problem with bloody rats that have come in from the woods and into our chicken house, and have been thinking of keeping watch with my little .410 and taking a few rats out. Obviously I will be using common sense - ie not shooting towards the fence on either side of the garden towards neighbours and would only shoot if in the middle of the garden or with the woods behind etc but I basically want to know what the law on this is, were one of the neighbours to complain and the police turn up as I dont want to jeopardise my licence. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Provided no shot escapes your boundary technically you're alright,but i would rather err on the side of caution and use an airgun instead if your neighbours are close.Pop round and ask them if they're alright with you shooting the rats and if they are use the 410. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lineshooter Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 I dont think I`d risk it, do you not have use of an airgun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 trap or poison them is far easier, if its a moderated .410 then you could use it if the shot doesn't leave your boundary but it won't be very effective Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 it won't be very effective Better sport tho...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 dont think i would fire a 410 in my garden,the police would soon be there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 I dont want to jeopardise my licence. so trap em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Depends a lot on your "garden" and what's around it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artschool Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 air rifle is the tool for this job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canis Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 air rifle is the tool for this job! Airgun or a Terrier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masterzone2 Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Get on the phone to your local unit and ask them then once they have given you the all clear keep a note of the guy/gal who gave you the all clear. and use the .410 personally I'd get the 12 out. I'll never use rat poison ******* sick and inhumane anyone who use that should feel what its like to have there insides slowly dissolved over the course of 5 days. THE LAW requires that any culling/dispatch must be done as quickly and with minimal pain as possible, 5 days or 5 seconds use the shotgun get it done quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazlindazza Posted February 3, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Thanks for all your replies! Thanks to Masterzone, that sounds like a great idea. I have tried using an auir rifle, but I dont have a very good one and when I hit them they just squeal and run off, and I really dont like the thought of leaving them injured, I want to do the job properly if I shoot them. Yes, I could buy a better air rifle, but to be honest now I have shotties I dont really ever use an air rifle so dont see the point in spending hundreds on one for it to virtually never be used. I'm with Masterzone on the poison, Yes the rats are a pain but I dont want to see them suffer at all! Once again, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Who knows on the details given.......BUT..... ....the odds are if you have rats then your neighbours may well have them to. Shooting, in any form, may solve the problem if you catch it early and are methodical, but you need to get them all. As others have said, traps/poisons may well be the way to resolve this issue, shoot one or two as well by all means. You will need patience and diligence to solve this issue or you will simply scratch the surface and the problem will persist. If in doubt get a professional in. ATB! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Get on the phone to your local unit and ask them then once they have given you the all clear keep a note of the guy/gal who gave you the all clear. and use the .410 personally I'd get the 12 out. I'll never use rat poison ******* sick and inhumane anyone who use that should feel what its like to have there insides slowly dissolved over the course of 5 days. THE LAW requires that any culling/dispatch must be done as quickly and with minimal pain as possible, 5 days or 5 seconds use the shotgun get it done quick. I really do struggle with this. The LAW also approves ALL pesticides used in this country. ALL rat Poisons available in this country are approved, not only by the British Government but also by Europe. If you have a moral issue then fine, but poisons (anti coagulants) work 24/7, and do work, if you want to sit up non stop for a fortnight shooting them fine. But you are not as efficient as well placed baits, FACT! NONE take 5 days to kill a rodent if administered correctly either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackbird Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 (edited) Don't risk your licence mate get on the blower to your council & get them to sort out the rat problem. Edited February 3, 2011 by blackbird Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 I really do struggle with this. The LAW also approves ALL pesticides used in this country. ALL rat Poisons available in this country are approved, not only by the British Government but also by Europe. If you have a moral issue then fine, but poisons (anti coagulants) work 24/7, and do work, if you want to sit up non stop for a fortnight shooting them fine. But you are not as efficient as well placed baits, FACT! NONE take 5 days to kill a rodent if administered correctly either! nope as long as you keep a good supply down and keep feeding it till they stop taking it then it is the best method of control. Disolving their insides isn't what it does at all and they get woozy and go to sleep and don't wake up without knowing whats going on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rcooke25552 Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 i think you should get a 10 bore and some 3 1/2 magnum shells of around 56g number 1's. they wont squeak if you hit them with that!! but on a serious note, speak to neighbours and feo and then use .410 if everyone approves. if not baiting them will be the only way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codling99 Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 9mm garden gun nice n quiet and cracking close range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-kev- Posted February 6, 2011 Report Share Posted February 6, 2011 I had the exact same problem last year, didnt want to use poison because its not a quick or nice way to go and we have a few Owls and other birds of prey knocking about, so i didnt want to introduce poison into the food chain. Got shut off most of mine with some traps and peanut butter and got a few but not as many with a silenced .22 air rifle. I think over a 3 week period i got shut of about 22 most of which where young ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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