ATHABASCA — Albertans with airsoft and pellet guns or other types of imitation firearms are being reminded to consider the risks and potential consequences of using their recreational equipment this summer.
In a July 2 press release, Athabasca RCMP reminded Albertans that any calls to police involving reports of firearms will be treated as if real weapons are present. Imitation firearms such as pellet or air guns can look almost identical to regular guns, and can lead to an increased and potentially dangerous police response.
“What may seem like a harmless object or prank to one person can be perceived as a serious and real threat by others,” wrote Const. Kyle Hotchkiss.
“The Athabasca RCMP is encouraging everyone, regardless of age, to understand that air guns are not toys, and improper or unlawful use can lead to criminal charges and lifelong consequences.”
The RCMP want to remind locals and visitors that:
- All gun-related calls will be treated as a genuine threat by police
- Using imitation firearms to commit offences such as robbery, uttering threats, or assault can result in criminal charges, and air guns are considered firearms in Canadian law.
- Displaying imitation guns in public may cause panic or distress as bystanders can’t be expected to discern if the firearm is real. Openly carrying an imitation gun in public could result in a serious police response.
Hotchkiss and the RCMP recommend owners of imitation firearms store their equipment properly and only display the gun in public where use is expressly permitted, and to familiarize themselves with local municipal regulations.
No use of imitation or real guns, defined as “any weapon that fires bullets or other projectiles through a metal tube, by the explosion of gunpowder or compressed gas,” is permitted within town limits, excepting when council gives written permission to an individual or group, according to Athabasca’s dangerous weapons bylaw.
Also prohibited is the firing of bows, crossbows, and bolts. Anyone caught in contravention of the bylaw can be charged criminally and subject to a fine between $100 and $2,500, as per the General Penalty bylaw.
Owners are also encouraged to educate others, especially youth in the household, on best practices and the risks and consequences of misusing imitation guns.
