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Dissatisfaction with gun laws at highest level since 2001, poll says

Dissatisfaction with guns among people in the United States has reached its highest level in more than a decade, a new poll suggests.

Fifty-five percent of the public is dissatisfied with the country’s gun laws and policies, close to the 57 percent who said the same in 2001, according to a Gallup poll released Thursday.

The poll indicates 40 percent are satisfied with such policies, but that’s down from Gallup’s recorded average of 47 percent since pollsters have been asking the question beginning in 2001.

{mosads}Despite the increase in the public’s dissatisfaction level, more people want fewer strict gun laws. Sixteen percent don’t want them, up from 5 percent just a year ago. 

Less than a third, 31 percent, support stricter gun laws, but that’s down from 38 percent who backed them last January. Gallup’s poll from a year ago was conducted shortly after the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn.

More people, 35 percent, are also “very satisfied” with gun laws compared to just those who are somewhat dissatisfied, 20 percent.

The poll comes just days after President Obama vowed to continue instituting measures in an effort to prevent future shootings.