Firearms control inquiry – still time to have your say

2 September 2010

The Home Affairs Select Committee is allowing people more time to submit their evidence to the inquiry into firearms control. Hundreds of shooters have already submitted their evidence. An actual closing date has yet to be decided so BASC urges all shooters to act quickly while this opportunity to submit evidence remains open.

BASC calls for working dogs to be exempt from tail docking ban

25 August 2010

BASC wants the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development to consider an exemption for working dogs, should a proposed ban on tail docking in Northern Ireland take effect. The proposed ban is contained in a Welfare of Animals Bill. BASC Northern Ireland has submitted its views in a consultation on the content of the Bill.

Say 'No' to tax on responsible gundog owners in Northern Ireland

20 August 2010

Compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs and an increase in the dog licence fee are amongst proposals being considered in Northern Ireland as part of a draft Dogs (Amendment) Bill. BASC regards the proposals as a tax on responsible gundog owners in Northern Ireland and is calling on gundog owners to lobby their MLAs before it’s too late.

No change to law on shooting pest birds in Northern Ireland

11 August 2010

BASC is the only shooting organisation that looks out for the interests of shooters, gamekeepers and pest controllers across the whole of the UK. We are alert to the renewal of general licences and any proposals to change them. BASC has sought and received confirmation that there will be no change in law when the Northern Irish general licences are renewed on 11 September.

Caroline Spelman message to BASC members on environment

2 August 2010

Defra Secretary of State Caroline Spelman has appealed for BASC members to contribute to future policy on the natural environment. The message, available to view online, says that the conservation work of BASC members is recognised by Government and asks for members to contribute their expertise to a consultation process which ends on 30 October.

Changes to Welsh general licences announced

30 July 2010

The Welsh Assembly Government has published its decisions on what changes will be made to next year’s general licences for pest birds. Canada geese and ruddy duck will be added to some general licences whilst herring gulls, lesser and great black-backed gulls will be removed from most general licences. A voluntary police administered identification tagging system for cage traps is being introduced.

Age to purchase firearms will rise from 17 to 18 years on 28 July

12 July 2010

As of 28 July the age at which people may purchase or hire certain firearms or ammunition will be raised from 17 to 18 years of age. Firearms law will also change as necessary to ensure that adult or parental supervision is applied to under 18 year olds. These changes are taking place so that UK firearms law complies with European law.

Where will you be going wildfowling in 20 to 50 years time?

8 July 2010

The future location of mudflats and saltmarsh on some of the best areas for wildfowling could depend on the decisions taken this year in updates to shoreline management plans across England and Wales. Make sure your wildfowling club is involved!

Northern Ireland votes on snares, hares, golden plover, curlew and deer

23 June 2010

On 22 June the Northern Ireland Assembly decided to regulate rather than ban the use of snares, to retain Irish hare and golden plover, but to remove curlew from the quarry list. The open season for does and hinds was extended to 31 March. A decision has been deferred on a proposal to provide powers to prohibit or restrict shooting across the Province.

BASC response to dangerous dogs consultation

1 June 2010

In its response to a consultation on proposals to change the law on dangerous dogs, BASC has provided two main viewpoints to Defra. Firstly, BASC does not believe that third-party insurance should be compulsory for all dog owners. Secondly, BASC does not believe that all dogs should have to be micro-chipped.