However, some states have regulations on the type, strength, and size of the spray. Before buying pepper spray, purchasers have to fill out a form stating that they are of legal age and have a clean record. Mace Brand has a variety of safety products that include defense sprays, and more. For example you can use pepper spray on an attacker to escape, using it to win a fight you didn't start isn't covered. Some American jurisdictions used to ban pepper sprays, and several still ban stun guns. This is against the law in Japan, as pocket knives are regarded as weapons. Megan, Assault is a very rear crime in most of Western Europe, so much so that it is likely to make the front page of the newspapers on a slow day. Hi i am lithuanian chap, and noticed that while Brits arent alow to. by Dan Stadler. is the type of nuisance you could run into. It is legal for adults over the age of 18 to carry pepper spray in the US, with some state and regional restrictions. Unlike self defense in most other countries, German self defense covers every means that is effective. Since I'm from Louisiana, I always bring a travel-sized bottle of Tabasco in my checked luggage. What ever you do, make sure you're in danger, not just someone you feel may be about to attack you. Since German laws put severe restrictions on the sale of firearms for private use, demand has risen for freely-available . Sorry, why was this necessary to mention: near an asylum seekers center? If you are caught with pepper spray or import it, you will face arrest and a subsequent criminal record. State law requires civilians to use pepper spray only in self-defence, and could face criminal charges if used in any other context.. Exactly the opposite.. So what are the legal pepper spray Alternatives for the UK? EDIT: Also, I'm still extremely shaky, panicky, and emotional about it all so please be nice while replying, not sure I can deal with being blasted right now. In Russia, pepper sprays are classified as a self-defence device (not a weapon) and can be carried by anyone over 18. Taking Pepper Spray to Europe IS NOT a good idea! I am firm believer in asking questions. But you will need to prove you were acting in necessary self-defense. Edit: If anyone wants to correct anything I might have misconstrued here feel free to comment below. In Ireland, an Garda Sochna have recently been given pepper spray in an attempt to reduce attacks on its officers, however they remain an unarmed force. She's in Antarctica. Pepper sprays are technically legal in Malaysia, but only when they are used for self-defence. In addition to the TSA restrictions for flights, it's illegal in many countries in Europe. You may even face deportation from the UK. Pepper spray is not allowed to hold in Sweden without special permission. Believe it or not, pepper spray is legal in all 50 states. Whether such a spray is necessary depends on where you live, but if it gives you peace of mind go for the animal repellant. A pepper spray will cost anywhere between $20 to $50 depending on its size but is only legal to . Is that how they get down in Wilkesboro? Panama is correct. In Switzerland, pepper sprays are classified as a self-defence device (not a weapon) and can be carried by anyone. Thank you all for your help and advice! You don't need to have a license to carry pepper spray, and as long as you are above 18 years old you can carry pepper spray on your person. Copyright 2018 TexMeroe All Rights Reserved. 12/10/2015. Pepper spray is illegal, while bear spray isn't If you participate in outdoor activities like hiking and camping, bear spray is necessary, which is why it's legal. At least pepper spray should be allowed for women if not for man to carry last month 2 women been killed with knife in the park here near Wembley, London by 18 pakistani walking the opposite side of the city to look for a victim in the dark. No idea whether they are readily available in Germany though. The Draconian laws in the UK need changing,why not allow people a licenced carry maybe similar to a shotgun license where you do a course ( one day) over 18s of course which allows you to carry non lethal pepper spray for self defence? Yes. It also comes under the UK firearms law and is in the same category as a firearm, so we, the general public, can't use it. If enough people shout loud enough maybe we can be heard? Whilst pepper spray is legal across the United States, tear gas is not and in fact in many states you can be committing a felony if you purchase tear gas. Once again in the UK, the rights of the attacker are put above any rights of the victim. It is allowed in a few countries, but must conform to a specific formulation / strength, which again could vary by country. Therefore actual pepper spray is designed to cause the attacker harm: this is considered illegal in the UK. Laws can be odd things. My personal opinion: get something harmless and effective that is legal to possess. This is completely false. If they can, so can you. Statutes on pepper spray vary by state. If an aggressor is willing to inflict harm on another person as part of a crime, it would be reasonable to expect that he or she would deserve some form of retaliation in return. It's the only way self defense makes any sense. But it is still regulated. Alaska: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors. I don't care if it's illegal to use it against humans. The biggest argument against legalising pepper spray seems to be that it could lead to people who are planning to assault women to use pepper spray to do further harm. Isnt it your God given right to preserve your life? In America it seems rather to be science.Johan Huizinga (18721945), Students For A Democratic Society (2006 Organization). Spray made with CS (tear gas) is illegal. For example you are supposed to limit force to an amount necessary to escape. Therefore, manufacturing, selling, or using goods comparable to pepper spray is a criminal offence according to Canada self-defence laws. Another Asian came to home invade us at 12 at night trying to brake the front door. Pepper spray is almost completely banned in the UK. no, if the government wants to prosecute you for harming a person, they have to prove that the person did not attack you. Think a moment about that. In Hungary it is FREE TO OWN any kind of tear gas/irritant spray. Knife crime in UK cities is out of control and the police can not change that. You can defend yourself with whatever means necessary to fend off an attacker, however you can't keep attacking someone who is no longer a threat. I thought that if someone was trying to rob me, then I could spray them and get away. Is it legal to protect yourself with wasp spray? We are not liable for any HIPAA violations. Personally, I try to stay away from anywhere that requires me to arrive "packin" a weapon. California: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold to minors. During the 1980s and earlier, wasp spray was incredibly effective. Lots of women European, American, Asian, Austrailian travel on their own in Europe, solo and in pairs. If enough people shout loud enough, maybe we can be heard? When seconds count, the Police are only minutes away! It depends Before you get a criminal charge in a police stop please check the following. The use of both against people in an act of self defense is, like u/MisterMysterios and u/Ooops2278 said, allowed and you won't be charged but if the police/district attorney don't see a act of self defense you will be charged of dangerous bodily harm ("Gefhrliche Krperverletzung"), The use of both against people in an act of self defense is [] allowed and you won't be charged but if the police/district attorney don't see a act of self defense you will be charged of dangerous bodily harm ("Gefhrliche Krperverletzung"). Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.pfefferspray-rettet.de/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/ptb-reizstoffe.png. So I have been reading and being amazed at all of Megan's posts but the pepper spray one is the last straw. In 2009, the Swiss Armed Forces introduced the irritant atomizer 2000 (RSG-2000) for military personnel, which is introduced during surveillance functions. In Portugal, it is possible for civilians who do not have criminal records to get police permits to purchase from gun shops, carry, and use OC sprays with a maximum concentration of 5%. Pepper spray products come in various sizes including hand-held containers intended to be sprayed at a single person or animal (e.g., bear spray) as well as canisters that can be thrown or shot into an area, such as those used by law enforcement . Legitimate use against humans for self-defense is allowed. Its is the criminal problem that causing problems for who its need to be used. The Police cannot keep everyone safe from assault, therefore every law abiding UK citizen has the right and duty to provide protection for him/herself and their loved ones. For someone to buy pepper spray in New York, they have to be at least 18 years old. However, there are so-called self-defense spays that are legal in the UK. There have been few controlled clinical trials on the human health effects of pepper spray marketed for police use, and these studies are contradictory. Police also encourage vulnerable groups like pensioners and women to carry pepper spray. In the United Kingdom, "Any weapon of whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing" is a Prohibited Weapon, under S.5 of The Firearms Act 1968. I've lived in Europe all my life and don't know nor have I heard of anyone who has been mugged - is not at all common. Some studies have found no adverse effects beyond the effects described above. I will stop posting from now on and just go with the flow. I wrote it to let people see how easy things are. There must be demand for these items; otherwise the stores would not waste valuable shelf space on them. You don't need a "Kleiner Waffenschein" for carrying pepper sprays. Anyhoo, I went to my local for a coffee today and the landlady tried to give me her pepper spray that she keeps behind the bar but told her to keep it in case she needed it. The quick answer is that pepper spray is legal in all 50 states although there are a few conditions and restrictions in some areas. I want something to protect myself. By Jim Dwyer. Pepper spray should definitely be legal in the UK with all these knife attacks, I would like to be able to carry at least pepper spray but even better would be a SW .44 pistol and a .32 ankle holster. Because of the strong effect authorities like (Federal) police or German armed forces rely on the use of pepper spray in dangerous situations. And buy a personal defense weapon if you pass psychiatrist testing and pass all The courses buy a safe to. If they do, I'm heading to europe to squish in some hiking before she gets back - - I'm not sure exactly where I'll go. [20] Under Army Regulation 190-14, certified U.S. Army law enforcement or security personnel working in an official capacity are the only persons authorized to possess and administer pepper spray on military facilities, Bergman said. Farewell. Something about this just doesn't kinda read quite right? Arizona. I was never trying to start a riot or cause any harm. I have a pepper spray bottle that's small and fits on my keychain. Note: Gunpowder (e.g., Pyrodex, black powder, mace, pepper spray and tear gas) is never permitted. Peace. In the Czech Republic, pepper spray is not classified as weapon and its possession is legal. In Sweden, possession of pepper spray is legal with a weapons possession licence. :) In all seriousness, take the necessary precautions to be safe, as you would anywhere. Crazy Somalians? Pepper spray is a widely recognised non-lethal deterrent that can be used for self-defence, ultimately reducing the risks of assault for both women and men. Go to England first, after a while you'll see how easy it is to get around, that fear of the unknown will dissipate. Legality of Pepper Spray. Any adult can go into a store and purchase pepper-spray. Nopeagainst the TSA rules and also illegal in many countries. Carrying it at (or on the way to and from) demonstrations may still be punished Sprays that are not labelled "animal-defence spray" or do not bear the test mark of the Materialprfungsanstalt (MPA, material testing institute) are classified as prohibited weapons. Even though pepper spray could easily fall under the category of 'offensive weapon' as defined under section 403B of Criminal Code, it is unassailable that the intent of carrying a pepper . However, the process to obtain a license in some countries can be extremely rigorous. For other countries, pepper-spray is illegal to own or can be owned only for self-defense against animals ( Pennoyer, 2016 ). If you fail to meet the relevant legal requirements, the . Third, you can only react in the moment, and you cannot take revenge. Pepper spray is sold in Germany to anyone over the age of 18, as a defence against wild animals. I wish you all luck and joy for years to come!! Your email address will not be published. animals. Pepper spray handguns can be bought and carried without any licence by anyone over 18. It reduces the risk of being a victim to bear attacks. The police also encourage vulnerable groups such as pensioners and women to wear pepper spray. Laglig frsvarsspray | Kjell.com Michael Karnerfors The proposal would allow residents to use pepper spray to protect themselves at home, for example to repel intruders. According to The Reeves Law Group, pepper spray is legal in countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Russia and others. The police also encourage vulnerable groups such as pensioners and women to wear pepper spray. Id imagine that in most cases the attacker would just leave you alone. B example if someone has been the victim of criminal harassment or if there is a concrete threat of attack by an ex-partner or family member. Thank you so much! There is a saying (and even the tone of the U.S. government advice implies) that anything can be purchased in Mexico for the right price. Reply Oct 5th,. The following is all you need to know about the legality regarding pepper spray in New York City. Long story short, while having a cigarette in my garden in the early hours of yesterday morning a man entered my garden in, what I assume, was an attempt to enter my house. of agent. Pepper spray is a great self-defense tool when a firearm, or lethal weapon, is not needed, not allowed, or if you just don't like to use firearms. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. Yet, what if I bought a bigger spray bottle and took it with me to Europe, would the airports allow me to take it with me? We detected that you're using an older version of Internet Explorer. I will keep searching the internet for answers. Yes, pepper spray should be legal for self-defence use in the UK. I have spent months in Italy/Spain/Portugal and have not once been a victim of that. Some guy attacks you. Please assign a menu to the primary menu location under. Why do you think someone would try to rob you? Pepper spray is legal in every state, but each has its own pepper spray laws. In the Czech Republic, Spain, Austria, Poland, Russia, possession is legal for most civilians. ;). Just don't experiment with it in an enclosed space. Should I even consider taking something like that with me? People checking tickets on metros in the city for example, don't usually carry fire arms, but they may carry a billy club. Therefore pepper spray is legal, however there are a couple of rules that you must follow. Is it legal here to have pepper spray, and if so, where can I get some in Berlin? For (proven) self defense any necessary measure is legal. Pepper Sprays are legal in Germany but require a "kleiner Waffenschein". Find another way to deal with the bears. She is just inexperienced, and in her own words, her "Americanized" way of thinking, along with probably a little nervousness about the whole undertaking, is leading her to question everything she has read or been told. None are illegal to carry. Europe has to protect itself against violent muslims and, if incapacitant agents work, OK. Purchase. Typically, it is legal to carry pepper spray in public. Keep in mind that what is legal in one country might be illegal in another. When #ancienttextiles meet #mummification meet #egyptology meet #cartonnage meet #heritagescience Bringing an inter https://t.co/uIF9LkxXcW, 31-03-2022. Safety is a concern for many Malaysians, but we still prefer not to break the law when taking care of ourselves. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Please note that for carrying this one you need to be at least 14 years old. You can keep a pepper spray for safety, but for safety only. Products must be classified and labelled as at least irritating (Xi;R36/37). The advantage here is, that it was developed for the use against animals (works for humans too) and is not mention in the german gun law so anyone of any age can carry it around. Yet you owned the gun illegally. State law prohibits the sale of pepper spray to individuals under 18 years old. However, you may be able to pack . As I said in my other post, I used to carry pepper spray myself. In Switzerland, Germany and Portugal, pepper spray is allowed with a license. You are responsible for knowledge of and compliance with all Federal, State or local laws regarding the possession and transportation of firearms. However, if you use it to mug an old lady, then you would expect to be charged the same as if you had threatened her with a knife. However, the Finnish Supreme Court has recently ruled in KKO:2010:7 that owning a pepper spray in itself is not a punishable act; but, on the other hand, carrying one can be punished as a device capable of harming other people. She has to flee with your possessions at least. It doesn't matter when it's truly self-defense. Thanks everyone. This is the subreddit for all questions regarding Germany, Germans and life in Germany. Any self-defense spray may legally contain no more than oz. Illegal on airplanes and in most countries. Pepper spray has been linked to positional suffocation of people in police custody. Pepperspray is allowed here, possesion is legal and usage against animals is legal, usage against humans isn't. It works a lot better. Laws on Pepper Spray. You should be prosecuted IF you use Pepper spray offensively, but purely in the defensive role should and must be 100% legal. Pepper sprays containing noxious substances are prohibited in: In Italy where certain formulas can be purchased, carried and operated license-free by anyone above the age of 16. Nevertheless crime happens everywhere. Europe is an amazing place to visit. However, there is animal repellant that is very similar and doesn't need such an arms license. As others have said if it ends up in court the burden is then on you to prove you needed to use the spray. If you travel smartly (see the "Safety" section on this site) and imagine that you are in your own town not a dangerous U.S. city, you will have a Wonderful and Safe trip. I was recently a bit shaken up by a rather strange (but ultimately harmless) person on the tube and asked a policeman I know in the UK what he would recommend, as pepper spray is illegal there whatever the intended use. You can still buy pepper spray though. New Jersey has no prohibition on the formulation of a defense spray so long as it is not intended to produce permanent injury or incapacitation. If you can't use pepper spray, then perhaps you can carry a can of deodorant in your bag and use that? There isn't even an age limit. There's also a differnce between selling stuff and owning it. Taking Pepper Spray to Europe IS NOT a good idea! "Crime does happen in Europe, ask the family of the woman killed in Turkey." So - basically - as long as you say after an attack that you have this because of your fear of animals, then you carried pepper spray legally and also used it in a legal way. Its time to ask the people who are at risk if they think the uk should follow the example of Europe and give women the right to defend themselves using pepper spray if they wish , or is it down to men to decide what is good for women, lets hold the decision makes responsible . OC is not the only agent used. Megan, I believe you should ask questions in planning your trip and that afterwards undertake to go on that trip. It's easy! This product sprays up to 16 feet (5 m) away. This government is hell bent on removing ANY way of defending yourself, therefore making victims of everyone. In America, there are no restrictions on who may own pepper-spray. Yes, pepper spray and other self defence items should items should be legal and feely available to 5hose that feel the need to posses them as they well feel the need ton protect themselves and pepper spray is a fairly harmless way of enduring ones safety as opposed to carrying a knife or similar weapons that could kill. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Some people offered to pay the girls fine for her. Is it any difference from using a kitchen knife for self defence in my property? So I would say yes to the British, to be allowed to use pepper spray under the controlled license in a secret position to fend off potential murderers. However if you use it in an emergency situation then you can always claim that it was being carried for use against dogs. With a heavy emphasis on defense. Travel Smart not Scared. Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade longer than 5.5 cm (around two inches), is illegal in Japan. You can use it against any animal for any reason. Also of note the only people who may legally sell pepper spray and other self-defense sprays in the state are those who are also licensed to sell firearms. Much more likely somebody would try to rob you here in US than in Europe. . I like how every single one of you are positive and wise! Switzerland: Pepper spray in Switzerland is subject to chemical legislation. Pepper sprays and other self-defense sprays are broadly unrestricted in Virginia, with the only prohibition on purchase or ownership being that the possessor must be at least 18 years old or older, and have a background free of felonies. Whatever. Starting in 2008, police officers began wearing pepper spray as part of their standard equipment. Even if you could, why do you think you would need it? IF (if!!!!!!) Pepper Sprays are legal in Germany but require a "kleiner Waffenschein". By the time the sports segment starts I've packed, cleaned up the kitchen mess, and walked out to the road. 1924), The people of Western Europe are facing this summer a series of tragic dilemmas. Switzerland: It is classified as a self-defense device (not a weapon) and can be worn by anyone after registering as a user of such sprays. Justified use against humans as self-defence is allowed. [29] It is a federal offence to carry or send pepper spray on board a commercial aircraft or to possess it beyond the security metal detectors at the airport []. 94. Would that not be tie ideal outcome from an attack irrespective weather or not you are made or female? It is illegal to buy pepper spray in Australia across its States and Territories, except Western Australia. Pepper spray is typically dispersed into the air as an aerosol or small particles in a liquid spray. Such sprays are not legally considered as weapons. Also its only to br alowed in 2 places, concealed on you or safe locked up if you break the rules you go prison. The head of the FBI`s less-than-lethal weapons program at the time of the 1991 study, Special Agent Thomas W. W. Ward, was fired by the FBI and sentenced to two months in prison for receiving payments from a pepper spray manufacturer while he was conducting and writing the FBI study that eventually approved pepper spray for FBI use. In Pennsylvania there are no restrictions on the lawful use of pepper spray. In every UK city which has had a huge immigrant surge in the last 20 years, rape, assault, and new disturbing crimes such as acid attacks and line ups have risen massively. I again wish you all the love in the world. Legal in all 50 states, although some apply restrictions, pepper spray is affordable and easy to use. Police officers are allowed to carry pepper spray as part of their standard equipment. Cans that are not labelled as animal repellents or have a longer span fall under the Weapons Act and are prohibited. She said she'd tell her son to get me a can that I can keep in my pocket if I'm out in my garden late at night. Pepper spray is classified as an illegal weapon under Canada's Firearms Act. In Slovakia, pepper spray is classified as a self-defence weapon, and it is available to anyone over 18. Pepper spray is illegal in most of Australia, including NSW. I just wondered if it was legal to use if necessary. If you have a spray designed to repel aggressive dogs but then you get attacked by a human, it will work on the human. Use against humans is officially prohibited. While some have no restrictions on carrying pepper spray, others permit it with varying conditions. Ans we have Lowest stabb crime and gun crime in Europe. It is completely legal to possess and carry pepper spray, tear gas spray, or any other conventional self-defense spray in the state of North Carolina. If you already have one which doesn't have any of the mentioned labels please be aware that the police (if they stop you randomly) will file a charge for owning a forbidden weapon. Do you think pepper spray should be legal for civilians for self-defense purposes? In Switzerland, Germany, and Portugal, pepper spray requires a license. It was pretty common for young women to carry it for self-protection. It is not life threatening like carrying a knife, or a gun, the knife crime in this country is so high now that I can not for the life of me think why having a pepper spray of some sort for self defense is illegal, My son was robbed at knife point, and beaten, carrying a can of pepper spray would make him and us, as parents feel safer, against criminals, I mean its not going to kill them but would maybe prevent an attack of any kind. You are not going to go down dark alleys or go anywhere with strange men. Whether such a spray is necessary depends on where you live, but if it gives you peace of mind go for the animal repellant. Cheers! In Hungary, pepper spray is reserved for law enforcement (including civilian members of the auxiliary police); civilians may carry canisters filled with maximum 20 grams of any other lachrymatory agent. I believe you can get it at the DM drugstore. In Berlin, it has only been. Cheers! Sticking shaving foam or toothpaste on a thief simply won`t cut it, but it would be normal to think that a criminal would think twice about the possibility that he could end up with a face full of clubs. This was introduced following the shooting of a number of mentally ill citizens in 2006, where 4 people were killed. In self defence you shoot the guy. It is legal for Cary a pepper spray in Lithuania for people over 16 years old. The first time I visited Paris there wasn't an RER or a monstrosity at Montparnasse. Racial also plays a large factor too. Sorry but I don't think it's illegal. Generally as an Alternative UK Legal Pepper Spray for self defence this product ticks all the boxes and is something to consider for all the family, especially . For example there are versions containing chemicals illegal in germany because they are newer than the animal protection laws preventing animal tests needed for approval On the other hand pepper sprays for use against humans have clear regulations regarding the used chemicals (no permanent damage) and the sprayer (limited range and limited time/amount of chemicals delivered with a single use) to be approved. Containing a payload not exceeding 20 ml., with a percentage of Oleoresin Capsicum not exceeding 10% and a maximum concentration of capsaicin and capsaicinoid substances not exceeding 2,5%; Containing no flammable, corrosive, toxic or carcinogenic substances, and no other aggressive chemical compound than OC itself; Being sealed when sold and featuring a safety device against accidental discharge; Featuring a range not exceeding 3 metres. Keep it and never listen to Cary it has been revealed, or under the influence of alcohol (just your prison for that), if you go out for a pint, you have to leave our house. If a would be assailant is prepared to inflict harm on another person in the course of a crime, it would be reasonable to expect that they would deserve some form of retaliation in return. Possession, carrying and use by ordinary citizens is prohibited under section 5(1)(b) of the Firearms Act 1968. Austria: Pepper spray is classified as a self-defense device. The regulations on aerosol packaging must be complied with. Rather, the sprays are designed to mark an attacker with both a visible and invisible marker dye.