Bill to tackle livestock worrying moves forward
© Tim Scrivener A critical piece of animal welfare legislation, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill, took an important step forward on 29 November, as it passed its second reading in the House of Commons unopposed.
Introduced by Aphra Brandreth MP, the bill aims to address the growing issue of livestock worrying by enhancing protections for farmers, introducing tougher penalties for offenders, and expanding police powers.
The bill, which will cover England and Wales only, updates legislation dating back to 1953, reflecting modern realities of farming and dog ownership.
See also: Video: Dorset farmers join forces to tackle deadly dog attacks
It expands the definition of protected livestock, introduces unlimited fines for offenders, and grants police powers to seize dogs suspected of attacking livestock and collect DNA evidence.
“This issue is devastating for farmers in my constituency,” said Ms Brandreth, Conservative MP for Chester South & Eddisbury.
“Dog attacks cause severe financial losses, emotional distress, and harm to livestock, particularly pregnant ewes and young lambs.
“This bill ensures dog owners understand their responsibilities while safeguarding farmers and their animals.”
Aphra Brandreth MP for Chester South and Eddisbury © Aphra Brandreth MP
Dog attacks up
Statistics from rural insurer NFU Mutual highlight the urgency. Livestock worth £2.4m were killed or injured by dogs in 2023, a 30% increase from the previous year.
Sheep worrying incidents are the most common rural crime, with 76% of police forces reporting such cases monthly, according to the National Sheep Association.
Although initially introduced by fellow Conservative MP Thérèse Coffey in December 2023, the bill’s progress was delayed by the general election in July.
Its revival has garnered widespread cross-party support, marking renewed determination to address this critical issue.
Ms Brandreth said the legislation is not “anti-dog” but instead promotes responsible pet ownership.
“As a dog lover, I understand the joy pets bring, but even well-behaved dogs can exhibit predatory behaviour,” she said.
“This bill ensures protections for farmers while encouraging dog owners to act responsibly.”