Tyrrany of the majority
In local news, Wesley Chapel, NC just unanimously passed an ordinance effectively outlawing target practice within the village. The new law prohibits the discharge of a firearm except in self defense, by a law enforcement officer on duty, to kill a dangerous animal, or by a licensed hunter. Target shooting is prohibited.
The ordinance is aimed at preventing one man, Dr. Michael Land, from using his private shooting range. Dr. Land bought his land in 1991, well before the current suburban encroachment. After safety complaints, Dr. Land had his range inspected by the NRA. The NRA found that the range was “no threat to the neighborhood.” But after complaints of noise, the village finally voted on the ordinance.
Dr. Land should have been protected by the North Carolina Shooting Sports Range Act of 1997, which prohibits lawsuits on the basis of noise complaints. The village chose to dodge the law, and instead of prohibiting the range, they simply chose to prohibit the USE of the range. Dr. Land has promised to respond legally.
Can’t find a link to a current article, but here is a link to an older story about the controversy.
If I were Dr. Land, I would have an awful lot of unsuccessful hunts on my land.
Comments
2 Comments on Tyrrany of the majority
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Dod on
Fri, 12th Sep 2008 11:38 pm
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simbachui on
Sat, 27th Sep 2008 10:13 pm
Seems like a good example of why we need to start pushing for easy access to suppressors. It would not only cut down on the noise nuisance excuse but it would be easier for shooters to avoid hearing damage.
An appeal has been filed against the City of Wesley Chapel for claiming a”special use permit” was necessary for the shooting range since its inception in 1991- that is an absolute falsehood! This battle will be WON in court!
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