Government Supports New Legislation to Combat Livestock Worrying

Significant advancements have been made in the effort to strengthen measures against livestock worrying, as announced by the government on February 2nd. This legislation aims to address a critical issue where dogs chase, attack, or otherwise distress farm animals, often leading to serious injury, suffering, or even death of the livestock. Such events not only bring emotional turmoil to farmers but can also incur substantial financial losses.

The proposed Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is a Private Members’ Bill backed by Dr Thérèse Coffey MP. It seeks to empower police with enhanced abilities to effectively manage livestock worrying incidents by simplifying evidence collection and, in severe circumstances, allowing for the seizure and detention of dogs to prevent future attacks.

Since the implementation of the original legislation in 1953, the population of livestock in England and Wales has doubled, alongside an increase in countryside visitors.

Through the endorsement of this Bill, the Government is fulfilling commitments outlined in its Action Plan for Animal Welfare and acknowledging the significant emotional and financial toll that dog-related assaults on livestock can have on farmers.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer commented:

“The impact of livestock worrying is severe, causing distress to both farmers and their animals, in addition to carrying financial repercussions. 

“This Bill aims to intensify efforts against this issue by broadening the scope of protection for various farm animals and granting police increased authority to take action. We are dedicated to ensuring its prompt progression through Parliament.”

Dr Thérèse Coffey MP added:

“Law enforcement has expressed the need for updated powers to effectively identify dogs that are responsible for attacking and worrying livestock, along with holding their owners accountable. While enjoying the great outdoors is important, dog owners should prioritize safety by keeping their dogs on leads near working farms to prevent such incidents.”

This Bill will update existing laws to ensure they meet current needs, including expanding the definition of livestock to encompass alpacas and llamas, as well as broadening the areas where enforcement can occur, such as roads and pathways.

Additionally, the legislation will tackle existing enforcement challenges by equipping police with greater authority to seize dogs following serious incidents, enhanced powers of entry, and the ability to collect evidence samples from both livestock and dogs to assist in the investigation of these offenses.

Support for this Bill reinforces the Government’s commitment to advancing animal welfare standards. The UK has been at the forefront of animal welfare legislation, being the first nation to implement animal cruelty laws and currently holds the highest rank among G7 countries according to World Animal Protection’s Index. Our Action Plan for Animal Welfare pledges to further enhance protections for animals.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill, made possible after leaving the European Union, aims to do away with the exportation of live animals for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, thereby preventing unnecessary stress and hardship during long transport journeys.

Furthermore, the new Pet Abduction Bill has garnered government support, proposing a new specific offense aimed at combatting the abduction of dogs and cats.

Since the unveiling of the Action Plan for Animal Welfare in 2021, the government has enacted several new laws, including the recognition of animal sentience, increased penalties for animal cruelty crimes, an expansion of the ivory ban to cover more species, bans on keeping primates as pets, restrictions on glue traps, and measures to outlaw the importation of detached shark fins and limit the advertising and sale of low-welfare activities abroad.