!["Their [farmers] insights into the devastating impact of attacks and the difficulties of securing prosecutions under the current law have been invaluable in shaping the legislation. It is for them [farmers] that we have brought this legislation forward."](https://image.chitra.live/api/v1/wps/9435a3c/ab4b09f5-2d08-46e8-a2cc-7d6e8fb5b291/7/Dog-Attack-Sheep-Worrying-679x419.jpg "\"Their [farmers] insights into the devastating impact of attacks and the difficulties of securing prosecutions under the current law have been invaluable in shaping the legislation. It is for them [farmers] that we have brought this legislation forward.\"")
"Their [farmers] insights into the devastating impact of attacks and the difficulties of securing prosecutions under the current law have been invaluable in shaping the legislation. It is for them [farmers] that we have brought this legislation forward."
Rural communities have been praised for documenting their 'harrowing' and 'painful' experiences of dog attacks, with shortcomings in the law set to be addressed through the passage of new legislation.
Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth's Private Members' Bill, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, passed its Third Reading stage on Friday (July 4).
Livestock worrying legislation
MPs debated the contents of the Bill for the last time in the House of Commons and, with support from across the political spectrum, it will now move to introduction and debate in the House of Lords.
Cross-party support
Ms Brandreth said she hopes the Bill could bring about meaningful change on the offence of livestock worrying, which could include unlimited fines for those who break the law.
She added: "As we know, livestock worrying has devastating consequences for both animals and farmers.
"The damage of a livestock attack can be horrific, causing brutal injuries that are tragically often fatal.
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"There are instances of stress causing pregnant livestock to miscarry, and separation of mothers and their young leading to hypothermia or starvation.
"I have seen pictures from farmers in my constituency of the aftermath of attacks that have mutilated their calves beyond any hope of keeping them alive."
NSA report
Earlier this year, NSA said 87% of farmers surveyed over the last 12 months have reported an incident of livestock worrying on-farm.
And 98% of farmers said they wanted to see police issued with greater powers to deal with incidents more effectively.
Dr Danny Chambers, veterinary MP for Winchester, said he was concerned that livestock worrying takes place 'more often' than what people might think.
"As someone who grew up on a sheep farm, a vet who has treated injuries caused by dogs that are out of control, and someone who continues to work with farmers quite closely in the Meon valley, I cannot emphasise enough how necessary this legislation is," he added.
"The problem is devastating for animals, but also causes farmers to take a huge economic hit.
"It is horrendously stressful for everyone involved, and it is not a niche problem - it happens all the time."
DNA sampling and forensics
Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, said he was encouraged that the Bill could grant the police powers to take DNA samples in a bid to trace owners.
"I met a farming colleague relatively recently, who told me about a mauling incident that happened on his land," Mr Reader added.
"It was shocking to hear about the direct impact on him and his staff who discovered it, and the fact that the police struggled to take action because of the lack of powers to undertake things such as forensics.
"It is positive that the Bill is increasing the relevant powers, particularly on the capture of DNA from dogs, to ensure that perpetrators can be brought to justice.
"It is a grim thing that continues to happen year-on-year, and we must take positive steps to change it.
"It is also positive to see the recovery of costs in the Bill.
"That is a big step forward that will deter people and serve as a reminder to many people who may be impacted by the Bill."
Gov support for the Bill
Water and Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy said incidents of livestock worrying over the last 12 months alone have highlighted the need to 'urgently modernise' legislation in order to address this issue.
"The behaviour of dogs that chase, attack or cause distress to livestock can have devastating outcomes and result in injury or death, which can have a detrimental impact on farmers," she added.
"Livestock worrying can also have wider implications, such as lambs being aborted and flocks of birds being smothered. That demonstrates how harmful such incidents can be.
"It is clear that we need stronger measures to attack livestock worrying and the devastating effects on farmers and livestock, and this Bill will deliver these measures."
Reaction
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said she was delighted the Bill has progressed to the next stage.
"Livestock worrying causes serious harm to animals and takes a devastating emotional and financial toll on farmers," Ms Hallos added.
"It is essential that the law keeps pace.
Prosecution
"The NFU has long campaigned for tougher legislation on livestock worrying, which will give police better powers to investigate and prosecute attacks and, importantly, send a clear message that responsible dog ownership is crucial in the countryside.
"We are incredibly grateful to Aphra Brandreth for championing this issue and helping bring the voices of farmers into Parliament.
"Her work has been instrumental in moving this important legislation forward.
"We now look forward to seeing the Bill progress further through Parliament and we will be encouraging peers to support its passage through the House of Lords."
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Dairy farmer Phil Latham, who farms near Nantwich in Cheshire, said he hopes changes in the law could see more prosecutions brought forward in the future.
Mr Latham was subject to a 'heartbreaking' incident back in August where he was left 'frustrated' by a dog attack which left 18 of his 20 calves with serious injuries.
In her closing statement, Ms Brandreth recognised the contribution of farmers who often in difficult circumstances, have recited their experiences to demonstrate why changing the law is so 'desperately needed' to support farming communities.
"I thank the farmers in my constituency of Chester South and Eddisbury who have shared their experiences with me," she added.
"Their insights into the devastating impact of attacks and the difficulties of securing prosecutions under the current law have been invaluable in shaping the legislation.
"It really has been a team effort, and the difference we can make as a result of this Bill will be felt across farming communities.
"It is for them that we have brought this legislation forward, and I could not be prouder to have played my part in delivering it."
Take the Lead
You can support Farmers Guardian's '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 [email protected].
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