Tougher penalties for owners of dogs who attack livestock are welcomed
Tougher penalties for dog walkers whose pets attack farm animals, including a move to make the £1,000 cap on fines unlimited, have been welcomed.
West Yorkshire dairy farmer and National Farmers’ Union vice-president Rachel Hallos heralded the rule changes in a bill – which has cleared both Houses of Parliament as a “huge step forward” to protect animals.
When the legislation attains Royal Assent, llamas, alpacas and other members of the camelid family will also have new legal protections against dog attacks and worrying, in line with goats, sheep, cattle and poultry.
“Attacks on livestock have a devastating impact on farmers, their families and their animals, and we have consistently called for stronger protections and tougher laws to reflect the seriousness of this issue,” Ms Hallos said.
“Seeing the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill pass through the House of Lords and move towards royal assent is a huge step forward.
“This is the culmination of many years of lobbying by the NFU and means stronger enforcement powers for the police and increased penalties for irresponsible dog ownership.
“This legislation will act as a real deterrent and will make a real difference to farmers and their livestock.”
The region has seen dozens of sheep killed and many more injured in dog attacks this year.
West Yorkshire Police's Wildlife and Rural Crime Team reported one of the worst in May – ten sheep and three lambs found dead in the River Aire, near Byram.
October saw a sheep left needing veterinary treatment following a dog attack in Follifoot, near Harrogate before 15 lambs were found dead and four more died the following day in a field near Rylstone, Skipton, as a result of a suspected dog attack.
Last month, Derbyshire Police said 14 sheep had been found dead at Furness Vale in what appeared to have been a livestock worrying incident while Lincolnshire Police reported a sheep had been left severely injured after an attack by a dog near Louth.
Louise Lee, of Blue Cross, said the animal charity welcomed any advances in protecting livestock.
She added: “What we always say is dog owners should be responsible and keep their dog on a lead if there is a possibility that livestock may be nearby.”
A Royal Kennel Club spokesperson said: “Expanding the definition of livestock, to include camelids, better reflects modern livestock-keeping practices and the further provisions to provide greater police powers to investigate livestock attacks is also welcome in the hope this will reduce such incidents.
“The impact of livestock worrying and attacks can be devastating for all parties involved including the dogs, their owners and of course farmers and their livestock.”
Baroness Therese Coffey, who steered the Bill through the upper chamber, said: “Livestock worrying has devastating consequences, both for animals and farmers, and it can be horrific, causing brutal injuries that are tragically often fatal.”