
Scottish snaring ban would be “catastrophic” for threatened species
A decision by the Scottish government to ban snares would be catastrophic to threatened bird species, including the iconic capercaillie.
Get information on the legal shooting season for mammals and birds in the UK.
Apply for funding for your project or make a donation today
Comprehensive information and advice from our specialist firearms team.
Everything you need to know about shotgun, rifle and airgun ammunition.
Find our up-to-date information, advice and links to government resources.
Everything you need to know on firearms law and licensing.
All the latest news and advice on general licences and how they affect you.
Tough new measures to tackle illegal hare coursing have come into force in England and Wales, anyone caught will now face an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison.
The measures introduced under the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 include:
The legislation has been welcomed by a wide range of rural and countryside organisations, including BASC.
Glynn Evans, BASC head of game and gundogs, said: “BASC has long supported new legislative measures to tackle illegal hare coursing, acknowledging its impact on the rural sector and communities. These new powers will better equip police forces to tackle both illegal hare coursing and associated crimes.”
A decision by the Scottish government to ban snares would be catastrophic to threatened bird species, including the iconic capercaillie.
BASC Scotland is urging the Minister for Environment and Land Reform to address the difficulties facing gamekeepers and rural workers.
In a move supported by BASC, Defra has confirmed that it will contest Wild Justice’s latest legal challenge relating to the general licence GL42.