Edward Howard, the Earl of Effingham, said: "With an estimated 34,000 incidents of livestock worrying every year across England and Wales, this issue is of key concern, not only because of the significant financial stress, but also because of the distress it causes to farmers who truly care about animals in their keep, and who themselves have to bear the emotional and monetary scars."
A new law protecting farmers and rural communities from the scourge of livestock worrying is one step closer to becoming a reality after passing its final stage in Parliament.
On Friday (December 5), the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill passed its final stage in the House of Lords and is now on the verge of becoming law once it receives Royal Assent.
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Every year, tens of thousands of sheep are killed by dogs in England and Wales and the NFU said dog attacks cost the industry nearly 拢1.8 million in 2024.
Livestock worrying legislation
Baroness Therese Coffey said she was delighted the Bill has passed its final stage in Parliament and how it could strengthen police powers to enforce and impose unlimited fines on those who break the law,
"Livestock worrying has devastating consequences for both animals and farmers," the former Defra Secretary added.
"It can be horrific, causing brutal injuries that are tragically often fatal.
"There are often instances of stress causing pregnant livestock to miscarry, and separation of mothers from their young leading to hypothermia or starvation.
"This modest Bill will modernise the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, ensuring it reflects the needs of modern day farming.
"Strengthen policing powers so they can do their jobs more effectively, giving the police powers of entry and allowing them to seize and detain dogs and collect evidence.
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"At the moment, evidence tends to rely on the goodwill of the owners of the suspected dogs."
Baroness Coffey said extending the scope of provisions in the Bill could go a long way to protecting the needs of modern day farming.
"Anyone who has driven down country roads knows farmers move livestock," she added.
"The Bill specifically extends the scope of the provision to not only apply to a field a farmer may own or where livestock are kept, it recognises agriculture practices means that animals are often transferred from one field to another, and current legislation does not apply when animals cross a road and a dog is out of control.
"In recognition of that, the Bill includes roads and paths as locations where an offence takes place. This will give farmers greater reassurance for moving livestock.
"I believe this Bill is a straightforward way to ensure we help farmers whose primary role is to grow food to put on our plates, and they should not be worrying about other people's animals worrying their livestock."听
The former Deputy Prime Minister praised Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth for 'picking up' the Bill she introduced in 2023 which failed to get passed before the General Election in 2024, along with the NFU and Defra officials who recognised the importance of updating legislation.
Bill could make a real difference
Alastair Campbell, Lord Colgrain, has praised peers for the swift speed of progressing the Bill over the last year, adding it could make a real difference in rural and farming communities.
"I have borne personal witness to horrible dog attacks on sheep, for which this Bill will make dog owners more accountable," Lord Campbell added.听
"The farming community is facing strong headwinds at the moment and this small and seemingly听innocuous Bill will provide, when it receives Royal Assent, the best possible Christmas present to all livestock owners."
Baroness Ann Mallalieu said protections in the Bill will garner respect from 'grateful' sheep owners across the UK.
Edward Howard, the听Earl of Effingham, said the Bill is a demonstration of the Conservative's commitment to the farming community and has been long overdue.
"This Bill will, among other measures, extend powers available to the police to enforce the law against incidents of livestock worrying," he added.
"With an estimated 34,000 incidents of livestock worrying every year across England and Wales, this issue is of key concern, not only because of the significant financial stress, but also because of the distress it causes to farmers who truly care about animals in their keep, and who themselves have to bear the emotional and monetary scars.
"By enhancing powers of enforcement, encouraging responsible dog ownership, and securing justice for those negatively impacted, this Bill delivers for both farmers and their livestock."
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the Bill is 'excellent news' for sheep farmers across England and Wales.
Mr Stocker says: "NSA has worked tirelessly to ensure the severity of livestock attacks is fully understood and is delighted to see the Bill progressing towards becoming law.
"We warmly thank all those who have contributed to achieving this milestone.
"The improvements contained within the legislation will provide farmers with greater confidence that incidents will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly."
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said the Bill could be a 'huge step forward' for the industry in tackling livestock worrying.听
"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," she added.听
"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.听
"This legislation will act as a real deterrent and will make a real difference to farmers and their livestock."
Strengthening protections for farmers and livestock听
Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, said the Bill has been a long time coming to strengthen the protection of farmers and livestock.
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"Many dog owners think there is no harm done if their dog momentarily chases farmed animals and comes back quickly without injuring them, but being chased by a dog causes the animal stress and anxiety," she added
"This can cause lots of problems for farmed animals - and even lead to pregnancy loss, which is particularly tragic.听
"And more severe attacks can have a devastating effect on farmed animals, resulting in injury and even death.听
"This also has an adverse impact on the farmers themselves, both in terms of their livelihood and the emotional toll of seeing their animals suffer.
"That's why we've been calling for better laws to protect farm animals from livestock worrying for so long."
The RSPCA said the law could do even more to protect animals in the countryside.听
Ms Main says: "We would have liked to see the Bill go even further and expand its scope to include protection for less commonly kept animals such as farmed deer, enclosed gamebirds, ostrich and buffalo, to name a few.
"We would have also liked to see woodland grazing land covered by the Bill which would bring this piece of law in line with the measures within Scottish legislation.
"But clearly this law is a massive step forward, and听 we are pleased that positive steps are being taken that will help keep livestock and dogs safe - ultimately, the best way to protect both dogs and livestock is for owners to keep their dogs on the lead."
Sue Hayman, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at Defra, praised the commitment of Baroness Coffey, Ms Brandreth and everyone who has persisted in progressing such an important Bill.
"The passing of this Bill is clearly important for our farmers and their livestock, and the strength and provisions will send a clear message that livestock worrying is a serious offence and responsible dog owners must be accountable," Baroness Hayman of Ullock added.
"The provisions will serve as a deterrent but also restore confidence amongst farmers and rural communities, many of whom live in fear of the devastating impact of such incidents on their livelihoods and the welfare of their animals.
"This Bill is a truly meaningful step forward in our commitment to animal welfare and those who work tirelessly to sustain our agricultural sector.
"I look forward to seeing the positive it will have."
Take the Lead
You can support听Farmers Guardian's听'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.
We can provide you with free signs, in English and Welsh, to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.
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.
Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at听[email protected].
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