SEBG News
Rural Affairs Minister launches industry practitioner guide to snaring
18th November 20048A number of expert rural organisations have joined with the Scottish Government to launch a unique practitioners' guide to snaring which emphasises best practice of an important countryside pest control tool.
Michael Russell MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, officially launched the 'Snaring in Scotland' a practitioners' guide when he visited the Newtown St. Boswells campus of Borders College.
The guide is published as a result of consultation between the Scottish Government and a number of leading rural organisations dedicated to humane and professional wildlife management in Scotland. It has been co-authored by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA).
Rural Affairs Minister Michael Russell said:
"I am pleased to launch the practitioners' guide which is a prime example of different stakeholders working together and a significant step along the way to eliminating improper use of snares. When done properly, snaring is a legitimate form of pest control. However, we are determined that those who use snares illegally and indiscriminately will be vigorously pursued and punished, and will bring forward new legal regulations shortly.
"Education and best practice are both vital to achieving a proper balance in rural Scotland and this guide should be welcomed as a step in that direction. Taken together these measures will, I hope, drive the cowboys and criminals out of interfering in the countryside."
Alex Hogg, Chairman of the SGA, said:
"The industry group has worked hard to produce this practitioners' guide which will contribute to snaring best practice. Collectively we are focused on using education, accreditation and the latest technology as part of our balanced and reasonable approach to wildlife management in Scotland's countryside. We are determined to work with the Scottish Government in achieving the best outcomes for rural Scotland and its communities. Working with the Minister to see the new snaring guide launched underlines our determination to find constructive solutions for countryside issues."
Adam Smith of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust said
"The industry has risen to the challenge of retaining a tool vital for Scottish game conservation and agriculture. The technical changes to equipment and methods of use we have identified should help improve best practice to everyone's' benefit.
Other organisations which have supported the creation of the snaring practitioners' guide are: Scottish Natural Heritage; Scottish Countryside Alliance; Scottish Crofting Foundation; Forestry Commission Scotland; Scottish Estates Business Group; Scottish Rural Property and Business Association; NFU Scotland; National Sheep Association; The Heather Trust; British Pest Control Association.
Download a copy of Snaring in Scotland: A Practitioners' Guide
