Information notice: Changes to the Law
- Humane Killing of Animals / Self-loading handguns
As a result of Home Office Guidance on Firearms Licensing Law, licence holders will no longer be permitted to possess self loading (semi-automatic) handguns for the slaughter or humane destruction of animals upon renewal.
We hope the decision to wait until renewal will allow most licence holders affected to make alternative arrangements and a letter advising them of the change will also be sent.
12.38 Humane Killing of Animals
The humane killing of sick, injured or lawfully trapped animals with a firearm is normally confined to those who may deal with such animals on a fairly regular basis. Examples would include veterinary surgeons, RSPCA inspectors, hunt servants, and occupiers of farms and smallholdings. Once such a firearm certificate is granted, the holder is able to use the firearm for the humane killing of any animal should the need arise, subject to any conditions on the certificate. The holder may also use a shot gun when appropriate. Rifles of any centrefire calibre may be suitable for this work. For revolvers and slaughtering instruments under section 3 of the 1997 Act, it is suggested a .32 single (or two) shot revolver is suitable for most circumstances, though larger calibres such as the .38 may be considered if the applicant has to deal regularly with large or dangerous animals (for example, horses, water buffalo, bison, Highland cattle or larger deer species). Police forces should note that self-loading (semi-automatic) handguns should not be authorised for the slaughter or humane destruction of animals, as it is not possible to permanently adapt the capacity of handguns which make use of a removable magazine. Note that section 3 does not refer to the use of any particular cartridge.
- Antique Firearms
Some firearms that were previously classified as antiques and did not need a licence no longer qualify.
On 22 September 2021 the law changed and now you must have a licence to own one of these firearms, or you must legally dispose of it:
- 320 British (also known as .320 Revolver CF, short or long)
- .41 Colt (short or long)
- .44 Smith and Wesson Russian
- .442 Revolver (also known as .44 Webley)
- 4mm Dutch Revolver
- 6mm German Ordnance Revolver
- 11mm French Ordnance Revolver M1873 (Army)
If you have any queries regarding your antique firearms please email us Contact Us, or you can download an application form or apply online in the - Application form section
Further details can be found here Gov.UK Opens in new window