Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has welcomed the news that the Government is backing proposals to provide better protection for livestock from dog attacks.
The Government confirmed on 2 February that it will be backing a Private Members Bill that will see the Protection of Livestock (1953) Bill amended to give police more powers to crack down on dog attacks on livestock.
Since the original 1953 Act was brought in, the number of livestock in England and Wales has doubled with more people visiting the countryside.
By supporting the Bill, the Government is delivering on pledges made in its Action Plan for Animal Welfare and recognising the financial and emotional impacts farmers face as a result of dog attacks on livestock.
Commenting, Steve said:
“I am always disturbed to see incidents where dogs are let off their leads and attack or worry livestock around Cornwall, often leading to injuries, miscarriages and death of sheep and other livestock. These incidents are also distressing for livestock keepers and can have significant financial costs.”
“It is good to see the Government coming forward with tougher plans to tackle livestock worrying, as they have announced they are backing of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill.”
“Under this Bill, the police will be given greater powers to respond to livestock worrying incidents more effectively - making it easier for them to collect evidence and, in the most serious cases, seize and detain dogs to reduce the risk of further attacks.”
“I look forward to backing this Bill as it proceeds through Parliament and hope it becomes law soon.”