Illegal shooting in suburbs a serious crime, warns SPCA

“These weapons cause horrific injuries and often death to animals and birds, and the law treats these offences very seriously.”

GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) has raised serious concern about the growing use of pellet guns, air rifles, paintball guns and similar weapons in suburban and built-up areas, warning that these are not harmless pastimes but criminal acts with severe consequences.

GRSPCA branch manager Sue Noakes said many people wrongly believe that using these weapons in residential areas, or injuring animals with them, carries little to no legal risk.

“Discharging pellet guns or airguns in suburban areas is illegal and extremely dangerous,” said Noakes.

“These weapons cause horrific injuries and often death to animals and birds, and the law treats these offences very seriously.”

She said the misconception that pellet guns or paintball guns are toys or non-lethal weapons is particularly worrying.

“Pellet guns and paintball guns can cause permanent disability or kill. Calling them toys does not change the damage they inflict,” Noakes said.

The law is clear

In terms of the Dangerous Weapons Act No. 15 of 2013, any person found in possession of a dangerous weapon under circumstances that raise a reasonable suspicion that it may be used unlawfully is guilty of an offence. A conviction can result in a fine or imprisonment of up to three years.

The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 further makes it an offence to discharge a firearm or airgun in a built-up area or public place.

It is also illegal to have a firearm, imitation firearm or airgun with the intent to commit an offence.

“These laws apply regardless of whether the weapon is seen as non-lethal,” said Noakes. “The moment it is used unlawfully or causes harm, it becomes a serious criminal matter.”

Injuring animals is a criminal act

The SPCA stressed that using any dangerous weapon on an animal, including wild birds, constitutes animal cruelty and is a direct violation of the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962.

“Shooting animals or birds with pellet guns or air rifles is not just cruel, it is a crime,” Noakes said.

“Anyone who causes injury, suffering or unnecessary pain to an animal can and should be prosecuted.”

Penalties under the Act are severe and include fines of up to R60,000 in a magistrate’s court or up to R300,000 in a regional court, imprisonment of up to three years or up to 15 years in a regional court, and in some cases imprisonment without the option of a fine.

“These are not symbolic penalties,” Noakes said. “Courts are increasingly recognising animal cruelty as a serious violent crime.”

A danger to the entire community

Illegal shooting in suburban areas places more than animals at risk. Pellets and projectiles do not stop at boundary walls and can injure children, neighbours, pets and passers-by.

“Someone who is prepared to harm an animal shows a complete disregard for life,” said Noakes. “That behaviour poses a real danger to the wider community.”

What the public can do

Residents who witness anyone using a pellet gun, airgun, paintball gun or any dangerous weapon on an animal or bird are urged to contact their local SPCA immediately. With sufficient evidence, charges can be laid under the relevant legislation.

Members of the public also have the right to open a case at their nearest SAPS station if they witness an act of animal cruelty.

“Reporting these incidents can save an animal from ongoing suffering and prevent further cruelty,” Noakes said.

“Animal cruelty is not a private matter. It is a crime, and together we can stop it.”