On Friday 29th of November, Parliament debated an important private members bill in the House of Commons. It rightly had the focus of attention on the day within Parliament and beyond. Whilst the news coverage reported on the outcome of the vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill, you may not have noticed that same day another vital Private Member’s Bill quietly advanced: The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill. This Bill addresses the issue of livestock worrying through providing stronger protections, clearer accountability, and increasing police powers to safeguard livestock and encourage responsible dog ownership.
The Bill is a much-needed piece of legislation which was initially introduced by Dr Therese Coffey MP in December 2023. Along with other supporters, she had dedicated substantial time to addressing the important issues raised but unfortunately, it was halted by the general election before it could become law. Its return and progress demonstrates a renewed determination to address an important animal welfare issue. Of course, Private Member’s bills are notoriously difficult to advance so it was by no means certain that it would pass the second reading. Indeed, the fact that not a single Member raised an objection at this stage is an encouraging sign of cross-party support.
This Bill is important to me because I have heard from farmers firsthand in my constituency about the devastating impact that dog attacks have had on their livestock. These incidents are not just financial losses; they can be deeply distressing. As the RSPCA reports, even well-behaved dogs can exhibit predatory behaviour around livestock like sheep or cows. Attacks cause injury and just a single dog bite can be fatal. Pregnant ewes can lose their lambs when chased by dogs, and the stress caused by attacks can lead mothers to abandon their new-born lambs.
The statistics highlight the scale of the problem. According to the National Farmers Union, farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2023, up nearly 30% from the previous year. And a survey conducted this year by the National Sheep Association found that dog attacks on sheep are the most common rural crime, with 76% of police forces who took part in the survey reporting at least monthly sheep worrying incidents.
This problem requires stronger protections and accountability, and that’s exactly what this Bill provides. It modernises existing legislation, originally passed in 1953, ensuring it reflects the realities of today. It highlights the violent nature of attacks on livestock, expands the definition of livestock given protection to include a wider range of animals, introduces unlimited fines as well as introducing new police powers. These include powers to seize and detain a dog and take DNA samples as evidence where
there are reasonable grounds to believe it has been guilty of an attack on livestock.
As a dog lover myself, I know how much joy dogs bring to our lives. So it is important to stress that this Bill is not anti-dog, but it is about responsible dog ownership. Dog attacks can have devastating consequences for farmers and their animals. It is my hope that if this Bill passes, it will mean that there is adequate protection for farmers and their livelihoods through ensuring dog owners understand their responsibilities.
As a new Member of Parliament, it is incredible to already have the opportunity to introduce a piece of legislation just a few months after being elected. I’m excited about the progress of this Bill and the positive impact it will have.
This Bill is a step forward for animal welfare, responsible dog ownership, and the future of farming. I urge my colleagues in Parliament to continue supporting it as it progresses through the House
Protecting Livestock, Supporting Farmers
