A gun used in the humane slaughter of animals. The gun fires a metal bolt into the brain of the animal. Captive bolt devices are powered by cartridges or compressed air, different strengths required depending on the species of animal. Formerly Section 1 firearms status in the UK until February 1998 when they were declassified. A valid slaughter licence is now required.

1.BOLT GUNS – FATALITIES

Bolt guns are known to have been responsible for a number of deaths including homicides, domestic violence and suicide.

2. BOLT GUNS – VIOLENT CRIME

Bolt guns are used in violent crime. Incidents require police investigation, hospital treatment court costs etc. Those affected suffer  time off work, loss of income and disruption to daily life. Bolt gun crime is paid for by individuals the community and the taxpayer.

3. BOLT GUNS – CRIMINALS BANNED FROM OWNING GUNS CAN STILL BUY BOLT GUNS

Criminals banned by the Courts from possessing guns, and those banned from possessing guns by virtue of having served prison sentences, can still buy bolt guns from dealers and private sellers, no background checks are required. A valid slaughter licence is required.

4. BOLT GUNS – MENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Bolt guns can be accessed by individuals suffering from mental health issues and those involved in alcohol and drug abuse, no background checks are required. A valid slaughter licence is required.

5. BOLT GUNS - COST TO THE PUBLIC

Incidents of bolt gun crime have cost implications for society and for individuals in terms of police time, hospital and other health services, the judiciary, insurance, local authority services, time off work, disruption to daily life, commerce, industry and transport. Bolt gun crime is paid for by individuals, the community and the taxpayer.

6. BOLT GUNS – IRRESPONSIBLE STORAGE AND THEFT

Bolt gun storage has been found to be inadequate on a number of occasions. Operatives at premises engaged in the legitimate use of bolt guns have accessed the guns with criminal intent, others have used bolt guns to take their own lives.

See ‘Gun Law’ page.