Livestock worrying bill makes progress in Parliament

Legislation aimed at strengthening police powers to tackle dog attacks on livestock has cleared a key parliamentary stage, bringing it closer to becoming law.

Passing through the committee stage unopposed, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is now progressing to the report stage – the next step of parliamentary scrutiny.

The Private Members Bill, which was introduced by MP Aphra Brandreth, seeks to address the growing issue of livestock worrying, which according to NFU Mutual figures has cost the industry £1.8m in 2024.

See also: More than 80 dog attacks on livestock reported in North Wales

Once the bill becomes law, it is set to enhance protections for farmers, introduce tougher penalties for offenders, and expand police powers.

Aphra Brandreth © Supplied by Aphra Brandreth

New powers

After the bill has passed through all stages of Parliament and receives Royal assent, new powers will include:

• Permission to investigate and charge worrying and attack of livestock where they take place on roads and paths, such as when animals being herded
• Allowing police to seize dogs suspected of being involved in livestock worrying or attacks
• Provision of warrants for the homes of owners of animals suspected of an offence to support investigations
• Increased financial penalties for offenders, so unlimited fines for offenders can be set.

Shadow Defra minister Dr Neil Hudson is in support of the bill and said it was crucial to tackle livestock worrying and attacks and give police the power they need to prosecute this “dreadful crime”.

Prosecution ‘must equal prevention’

However, he challenged the government to recognise that a focus on prosecution must be equal to a focus on prevention, particularly through encouraging responsible dog ownership.

Evidence from Wales, which Dr Hudson highlighted, shows that Blue Cross training course for dog owners contributed to a 64% reduction in the cost of livestock worrying between 2023 to 2024, alongside social media outreach and rural crime teams.

“However, prevention is better than cure, and the government must work on prevention and prosecution, and responsible dog ownership must be at the heart of prevention,” he added.