MPs back plans to tackle dog attacks on livestock

Plans to give the police greater powers to prosecute dog owners for attacks on farm animals in England and Wales have moved a step closer to becoming law.

"Livestock worrying", which can include barking, chasing, biting, and killing, is already illegal.

But the National Sheep Association says convictions are difficult.

A bill which would make it easier for the police to seize dogs, search properties and collect dental samples was voted through by MPs on Friday.

The legislation, which would also cover attacks on llamas and alpacas for the first time, will face further scrutiny in the Commons and Lords.

However, government support means it is likely to become law.

Former Environment Secretary Therese Coffey, who put forward the bill, told the Commons: "Livestock worrying is an issue of significant concern for farmers and rural communities, providing much distress and cost for animals and farmers."

The Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal added: "We do want to see an effective deterrent to this kind of harm to livestock. I believe this bill will achieve that."

Farmers have reported an increase in livestock worrying in recent years, particularly since the Covid lockdowns.

John Dinnis, from Sevenoaks in Kent, has lost more than 20 sheep to dog attacks.

"I think the people who bought dogs [during lockdown] perhaps weren't experienced with them," he told the BBC.

"It is upsetting for the pet owners who just didn't expect their dog was capable of such things."

Kate Esler, who farms in North Somerset, has lost 14 sheep since December 2022.

"The injuries are horrific and it is frustrating and heart-breaking for us to see," she said.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, said there was "no doubt" the problem had grown since the pandemic.

He said it was not easy to catch the perpetrators and "quite often, cases aren't taken forward".

"We support the legislation, it's going to help, but what we're disappointed about is that there are no plans to increase fines," he added.

The maximum fine for livestock worrying in England and Wales is £1,000, but in Scotland it is £40,000.

Environment Minister Robbie Moore said the government would be "fully supporting" the proposals.

The legislation also has the backing of the National Farmers' Union.

Richard Findlay, who chairs the union's livestock board, said "livestock worrying and dog attacks cause stress and anguish for farmers seeing their animals suffering, in addition to the significant financial impact".

He added: "No matter how in control dog owners think they are, they should always remain alert and dogs should always be kept on a lead around livestock."

This is the latest in a series of bills proposed by MPs trying to resurrect animal welfare measures that were quietly dropped by the government in 2022.

The Kept Animals Bill was withdrawn over fears it could have led to a vote on hunting, which remains a divisive issue in the Conservative party.

Since then, Private Members' Bills proposing crackdowns on pet theft, live animal exports and the import of hunting trophies have started to progress through Parliament.

Private Members' Bills are introduced by MPs and Lords who are not ministers but are more likely to become law if they secure government backing.