The UK’s largest shooting organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), broadly welcomes the findings of an extensive research project into the use and humaneness of snares published today by Defra. BASC will be analysing the 200 page report in detail and will be discussing the content with Defra.
BASC, which represents 5,000 gamekeeper members, many of whom use snares as an effective means of pest control, was a key stakeholder in the Defra snares working group which reported in 2005 and which recommended the current Defra code of practice on the use of snares.
BASC encourages and promotes best practice and high standards in the use of snares which are an important part of wildlife management especially in places where shooting and other methods of control are not suitable.
The report makes a number of recommendations which include revising the Defra code of practice on the use of snares in light of the research and to improve compliance with the code. It also encourages the use of well-manufactured quality snares and components which it says are vital to avoid poor welfare of animals.
Glynn Evans, BASC’s head of game and gamekeeping, said: “We welcome the report’s commitment to the continuance of snaring as a means of pest control and welcome the opportunity to work with government and stakeholders to ensure that snaring is conducted according to the highest standards.”
ENDS