THE report on the front page of the Telegraph (January 19) tells about someone being shot six times with a 'not real' pellet gun. Whatever it was, replica or genuine, the effect on the victim was the same.

Swans, ducks, dogs and cats have suffered for years from these 'not real' guns. I know of a dog having 17 pellets removed from one hind leg. It was shot, according to a vet, at very close range -- possibly whilst tethered.

At one time these nasty weapons, because that's what they are, were only available in limited outlets. They can now be bought from many 'cheap shops' that are springing up everywhere. They are even available in some newspaper kiosks!

Why would anybody want to have such a gun in the first place? Who seriously believes the shooting begins and ends at tin cans and paper bulls eye targets?

The purpose of guns is to hurt or kill. Nothing more, nothing less. That is why they were invented. When the craze for knives caused mayhem in the 1950s, severe prison sentences were given and that worked.

The same should be done with replica, air and pellet guns -- for selling them or owning them. The laws now only seem to be about where they are 'discharged' or if they are 'in sight' of a public place.

The laws need bringing up to date before any more victims suffer -- animal or human.

BURNLEY RESIDENT (name and address supplied).