A NEW code of practice on snaring published by Defra has been welcomed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation as a welcome addition to the support of wildlife management.

The code was produced in response to a report from the Independent Working Group on Snares which has been meeting for the last two years to establish the facts about snaring and to develop guidelines to help ensure high standards of animal welfare where snares are used to control pests.

Stewart Scull, head of gamekeeping and wildlife management at the association, said: "Snares are an important tool for countryside management.

"Their use is already regulated by law and, properly used, are efficient and effective.

"It's clear that guidance and training on snaring practice can help improve animal welfare and we fully support efforts to enhance the information available."

The association publishes its own code of practice on snaring, which will be reviewed in the light of the working group's report.