If they're out in the open, a .22 CB-cap or Short will take care of them without distressing the neighbors, or one of these magnum airguns you guys mention

12 ft-lb air rifles are the only non-Firearms Certificate (FAC) option available to us in England & Wales, Lannis. Scotland has licencing of air rifles as well as firearms. Even then there are some pretty draconian restrictions on where and how they can used - technically having a pellet leave the boundaries on your property is a mandatory 5 year jail term + fines + confiscation of rifle + criminal record.

To get a FAC for a .22 target or sporting rimfire rifle would require membership of an approved club (which classes as a valid reason for wanting a FAC for a rifle), which in turn requires a 6 month probationary period + a Police inspection of home for a security check and check of compliant steel rifle cabinet + medical background checks. Use would be restricted to the club unless a case could be made to shoot over open land (which farmers might get for larger pest control) , which would have to be inspected prior to permission being given. Discharging a .22 rimfire in my back garden would guarantee a visit from an armed response squad & a free holiday at His Majesty's Pleasure.

I have a couple of clubs locally (2 small bore only 25 yard indoors, the other 25 yard small bore indoors & 100 yard full bore outdoors) & did get through the probationary period at one many years ago, but my working patterns changed which made visiting when they were open difficult so I didn't go any further down the FAC route & just stick to sub-12 ft-lb air rifles - cheaper (nearest FAC club is £190 a year + range fees) & far less hassle.

Plenty of videos on YT of UK night time ratting with sub-12 air rifles fitted with night vision scopes - usually with magazine fed pre-charged rifles from hides.

Nigel B.