Countryside bodies have warned that an outright ban on snaring would have major economic consequences in rural Perthshire and Angus.
The Scottish Rural Property and Business Association (SRPBA) and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) said the “necessary” practice was used by local landowners to safeguard game, livestock and crops.
Legislation introduced last year stated that snares must be checked at least once a day and fitted with a safety stop mechanism and should only be set where there is a small likelihood of catching protected species.
However Scottish Labour announced on Monday that it wants to completely outlaw the use of the “barbaric” traps.
SRPBA chief executive Douglas McAdam accused the party of ignoring the needs of rural and farming communities. Mr McAdam said the practice was a “vital land management tool,” used at this time of year to protect newborn lambs from foxes.
Snares also prevent rabbits and other animals from having free rein over arable land.
Mr McAdam told The Courier, “The impact of losing snaring would be the same for rural land managers throughout Scotland it would impact game shooting, livestock rearing and general biodiversity as fox numbers would rise and they must of course eat to survive.
“Shooting and livestock farming would be impacted leading to recognised knock-on impacts on local economies. Biodiversity would also suffer as predation would inevitably increase.”
He continued, “It is disappointing that Labour has suggested a ban in its manifesto given snaring was dealt with extensively during the passage of the WaNE Bill through the Scottish Parliament earlier this year and was supported decisively by the Parliament as a vital land management tool.”
He continued, “Politicians have accepted that the proper use of snares is essential in certain circumstances and that land managers and gamekeepers should be equipped to carry out their work subject to the appropriate existing regulatory requirements.Review”The Scottish Parliament has agreed to keep snaring under review and we believe that this is the right way forward rather than calling for a complete ban to be introduced when the matter has already been examined in great detail.”
BASC Scotland director Colin Shedden has helped organise courses to promote responsible snaring. The practice is meant to trap and restrain, rather than kill and should be attached firmly to the ground so it cannot be dragged.
Dr Shedden said, “Gamekeepers, land managers and farmers should be trusted and given the chance to protect their livelihoods. Most understand the importance of protecting endangered species.”
He continued, “An outright ban would have a very serious impact on rural communities. It is unacceptable and I will be asking BASC Scotland members to oppose it and speak to their local MSPs.”
He added, “I know that farmers in Perthshire and Angus are worried that it would result in a major loss of lambs at this time of year something they simply cannot afford.”
The ban has received the backing of famous Queen guitarist and animal rights campaigner Brian May.
Mr May said, “I was very disappointed when the Scottish Parliament threw out the movement to end the barbaric practice of setting snares.
“At the time, I said the only ray of hope would be the Scottish Labour Party coming out in favour of a ban and I am delighted to see a strong commitment on snaring in their manifesto.”