Under a new legislation that was initially approved on Tuesday (Jan 31st) by the Republicans. A resident in Arizona City, who spots a rat or snake in their yard, can shoot the animal using a small caliber gun loaded with tiny pellets.
A group of scientists opposed the proposal by saying, the proposal will put people in more danger, and it encourages the use of firearm in populated areas and put them at risk as they approach venomous snakes.
Democrats failed to persuade Republicans who control the Arizona state House that the measure would lead to more injuries and wasting officers' time with additional gunfire calls. Wildlife advocates and residents worried about stray gunfire also oppose it.
Republican Jay Lawrence said that his legislation is not about just shooting reptiles or rodents, despite the definitions in his bill referring to "rat or snake shot." Lawrence said the bill was a firearms bill, strictly and totally, it had nothing to do with killing snakes and nothing to do with killing rats, cats or dogs.
The National Conference of State Legislatures does not track such legislation, so it was not clear that how many other states have similar laws.
The House Bill 2022 which is supported by Gun-rights advocates, changes a landmark 2000 law against celebratory gunfire enacted after a Phoenix teen was killed by a stray bullet. The law made it a felony to fire a gun within city limits.
Republican Kirsten Engel of Tucson was more concerned about relaxing the restrictions on use of firearms within the city limits.
“Engel was more concerned because snakes are a beneficial part of the ecosystem, as they get rid of rats."
Republicans who backed the bill approved the reductions to firearm restrictions. Republican Eddie Farnsworth said using a tiny shotgun was safer than a 22 caliber round.he original 2000 law stipulates one mile, but another change awaiting House action narrows the distance must be someone from a building to shoot a gun.
The camber approved the rat shot measure on a voice vote, and it awaits a formal vote to determine if it advances to the Senate.
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