Firearm law changes could affect farmers’ shotgun use

PROPOSED changes to firearms legislation could impede farmers’ use of legally held shotguns to scare off marauding dogs threatening their sheep flocks.

Farmers could be restricted by the proposed legislation, under which guns must be held in secure custody at all times.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell, who is set to tackle gun crime in the Criminal Justice Bill, is proposing that applicants for firearms certificates will have to satisfy a garda superintendent that they have provided secure accommodation for the firearm.