IN response to the article Pet cat loses leg after being shot in air rifle attack, Echo, April 15, I would like to add the British Association for Shooting and Conservation's (BASC) voice to those who have condemed the shooting of a cat in Exmouth.

However, it is important to remember that there are an estimated six million air rifles in the UK, and that millions of people use them responsibly and safely. The incidence of criminal misuse, while always shocking, is comparatively rare.

BASC — which produces a joint code of practice for airguns with the Association of Chief Police Officers — believes that there are two strands to reducing the illegal use of airguns.

The first is to enforce the law — some of the strictest in the world with more than 38 different offences under which those who misuse airguns may be prosecuted.

The second is to educate young people about the dangers of misusing airguns and their responsible and safe use. The scouts, cadets, shooting clubs and many schools do important and unsung work to this end.

For more information on the safe and legal use of air rifles, visit BASC's website: http://www.basc.org.uk/en /codes-of-practice/air-rifles.cfm.

Helen Shuker

Press Officer

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation

Marford Mill

Rossett, Wrexham

(by email)