Bill to protect livestock from dogs progresses

A bill which aims to strengthen law to prevent livestock attacks has successfully passed the Committee stage in the House of Commons.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill took an important step closer to becoming law on 24 April, as it successfully passed the Committee stage in the House of Commons.

The bill, which was brought forward by Therese Coffey after similar provisions were dropped by the government last year, makes changes to what constitutes an offence of livestock worrying and attacks, in addition to increasing the powers the police have to investigate attacks.

The bill attempts to strengthen the existing law which dates from 1953 to prevent the instances of dog attacks on livestock by ensuring police have the powers to collect the necessary DNA and other forensic evidence to ensure investigations into such attacks are more effective, and convictions more likely. It also allows the police to intervene to prevent repeat attacks from dogs in the care of irresponsible owners.

The bill will now proceed to its final stages on 17 May, when any final amendments can be made.