Livestock worrying incidents have caused farmers financial and emotional stress, former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey said, as new legislation hopes to introduce more stringent powers for the police to act
New legislation to clamp down on ‘devastating' livestock worrying has taken a step forward with the confirmation of Government support.
The Government confirmed its support for the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill - a private members' Bill sponsored by former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey - on Friday (Feb 2).
Defra said livestock worrying can result in significant injury and suffering and in the worst cases, the death of the farm animals, with a ‘distressing impact' on farmers both emotionally and financially.
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Ms Coffey said the Bill would modernise existing legislation to ensure it remains fit for purpose, including extending the livestock definition to include alpacas and llamas, and widening locations where enforcement can be taken to roads and paths.
The former Deputy Prime Minister said the Bill would also address current enforcement challenges and give the police more powers to seize dogs after serious incidents.
Police could also receive greater powers of entry, as well as the power to take evidence samples from livestock and dogs to help investigate incidents.
Ms Coffey added: "We have heard from the police that they need more up to date powers to help them identify the dogs that are attacking and worrying livestock, and subsequently their owners.
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"It is great to get out and enjoy nature, but dog owners should be careful and ideally put their dogs on a lead when on or near a working farm to avoid such attacks."
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said he would provide the necessary support to ensure the Bill is ‘swiftly passed' through Parliament.
"Livestock worrying has a devastating impact, causing distress to farmers and their animals, as well as the financial implications," he added.
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"This Bill will crack down on this issue, widening the scope to protect more farm animals covered by law and giving police more powers to act.
"We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament."
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan said the organisation had lobbied for greater police powers for many years and she welcomed the announcement.
"Attacks on livestock cause great distress to farmers and threaten their livelihood," she added.
"Farm animals worth £1 million were killed or injured by dogs in 2022, a 50 per cent increase since 2019.
"As lambing season approaches, the CLA is telling dog owners that they must keep their dogs under close control, especially near livestock, and to stick to public rights of way.
"If you see an incident please report it to police."
The Farmers Guardian has continued to raise awareness of dog attack incidents and has supported the 'Take the Lead' campaign to ensure owners place their dogs on a lead near livestock.
Free signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through Farmers Guardian's Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
