The SGA's first Snaring Accreditation course took place this week in Glenalmond, and more courses are being rolled out across the country to ensure all practitioners have access to training which is now mandatory under Scottish Government legislation.
It is now a legal requirement that anyone wanting to set a rabbit or fox snare must be accredited and fully aware of the new guidelines. All members are strongly advised to contact the SGA office on 01738 587515 without delay to register for a training course which will be held in their area as soon as possible.
In the meantime members are reminded that setting snares near fences where animals can become entangled is now illegal. It is also against the law to set snares on bridges or planks, acorss divides or on the edges of riverbanks where animals can drown or hang themselves. Even if a snare has nothing in it but is set in the wrong place it may lead to prosecution.
SGA Snaring Trainer Bert Burnett said: "It's imperative that anyone who wants to set snares gets the appropriate training as soon as possible. It just takes half a day but it could be the most valuable few hours you spend this year because those who don't understand all the latest rules are laying themselves open to the risk of being charged with recklessly setting snares. That is now a very real danger.
"Get in touch at once and if you know of suitable venues where we can hold the courses please let us know."