NEW snaring laws come into force next month.
The legal requirements are similar to the gamekeepers' code of practice introduced by the industry last year.
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) Scotland, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) and the Game and Wildlif
e Conservation Trust have collaborated to provide training in snare use.
In his blog, Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman, Peeblesshire gamekeeper Alex Hogg says: "We're about to launch a series of training courses which all gamekeepers will have to attend and pass in order to ensure there's no doubt or confusion about the latest rules. We've got to keep our side of the bargain."
The law says snares must be checked at least once a day, they have to be free-running and have safety stops which prevent the noose closing beyond a certain distance.
Snares must be staked to prevent them being dragged by a caught animal. Snares must be set so that a caught animal does not become fully or partially suspended – and hang itself up as on a fenceline – or be unable to escape from water so that it will drown.
Mr Hogg also commented in his blog: "It was reassuring to see the Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham supporting snaring when she gave evidence at the latest Petitions Committee. We know to our cost how easy it is for single issue pressure groups to sway the uninformed when fluffy animals are concerned, but this Government has consistently shown it understands the economics of the countryside even when it involves taking an unpopular stance."
BASC Scotland director Dr Colin Shedden said: "BASC welcomes the introduction of this legislation as it reinforces the advice contained in the practitioners' guide published by the industry last year. We are always seeking to improve the welfare of animals restrained by snares and to reduce the risk to non-target species and this new legislation will help."
The SGA says further legislation later this year is expected to introduce snare identity tags and compulsory accreditation before people are allowed to use snares.
The Snares Order comes into effect on March 11.
