Animal catcher in local association (5)
I believe the answer is:
lasso
'animal catcher' is the definition.
'lasso' can be an answer for 'catcher' (rope used to catch an animal). I'm not certain of the 'animal' bit.
'in local association' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'LASSO' is hidden in the letters of 'local association'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lasso that I've seen before include "Belgian composer" , "A cowboy's looped lariat" , "Nosed rope" , "Ling-nosed rope" , "Long noosed rope used to catch animals" .)