Snaring Code Published
25 November 2008
The National Gamekeepers' Organisation has commented on a best practice guide for snaring just published in Scotland. The NGO said,
"We congratulate our colleagues in the Scottish Gamekeepers' Association for working with Government and others to produce a snaring code. The code approach to the use of snares was first introduced in England three years ago and has improved standards of snaring down here and given more confidence to politicians that snaring is a proper management tool."
A number of expert rural organisations joined with the Scottish Government to launch this latest practitioners’ guide to snaring which emphasises best practice for an important countryside pest control tool.
Michael Russell MSP, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment, officially launched ‘Snaring in Scotland - a practitioners’ guide' when he visited the Newtown St. Boswells campus of Borders College on Tuesday, November 18th.
The guide was 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.
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.”
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.