BASC has launched a series of courses aimed at familiarising Police Scotland officers about methods of pest control such as trapping and snaring.
Jake Swindells, BASC’s country officer Scotland, said: “Working together with Police Scotland in the fight against wildlife crime is a fantastic opportunity.
“To be able to better understand the challenges that they face in relation to some aspects of wildlife crime and to be able to offer training in return can only be beneficial to all.
“Fox and rabbit control in Scotland is necessary to protect crops and livestock and to maintain Scotland’s unique rural biodiversity. Snaring and trapping are vital tools due to Scotland’s diverse landscape and types of cover where other methods of control are impractical and ineffective.
“When conducted in accordance with the Practitioners’ Guide, snaring and trapping are effective and humane forms of control.”
“In some areas where other forms of predator control are difficult, snaring comes into its own. It is a vital gamekeeping tool.”
Daniel Sutherland from Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland and BASC are members of the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime in Scotland and work with partners to end wildlife crime in Scotland and we are delighted that BASC are providing this vital training for our officers.”
Further information on trapping and snaring can be found on the BASC website or by calling the BASC Scotland office on 01350 723226.
Anyone with information about a wildlife crime or who suspects a wildlife crime is being committed is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or phone 999 in an emergency.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111.
ENDS