Legislation to tackle livestock worrying has completed its Second Reading in Parliament following high-profile support from Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset. Mr Loder has spoken publicly of the need ‘for action against the suffering of animals as a result of careless or negligent dog owners’. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock - Amendment) Bill will strengthen the law regarding the offence of livestock worrying, including changing what constitutes an offence and provide increased powers for investigation of suspected offences. Mr Loder said:
“I’ve spearheaded the campaign to ensure livestock worrying is tackled through legislation. I’m pleased that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock - Amendment) Bill is making its way through Parliament, and I’m glad to have supported the former Environment Secretary, Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, with the introduction of this legislation.”
“It’s a personal campaign of mine to ensure animals are protected from careless or negligent dog owners. In West Dorset, Gladis, the heavily pregnant Highland cow, fell 40-feet to her death after being chased by two off-lead dogs at Eggardon Hill. I’ve worked closely with Cameron Farquharson, Gladis’ owner, to ensure we protect against these mindless offences.”
Speaking about the Bill, Farming Minister, Mark Spencer said: “Livestock worrying has a devastating impact, causing distress to farmers and their animals, as well as the financial implications. This Bill will crack down on this issue, widening the scope to protect more farm animals covered by law and giving police more powers to act. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.”
