Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales is supporting calls to tighten up livestock worrying laws.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, was speaking after The Farmers’ Union of Wales, Wales YFC and FUW Insurance Services, held an information webinar about these incidents and how farmers can be protected.
He said:
“I was pleased to support such a worthwhile meeting and urged all farmers to make sure they attended to find out more about the laws relating to livestock worrying.
“In March 2019 I backed calls to review legislation to help reduce the number of dogs attacking livestock in Wales, yet here we are two years down the line and no changes have been made.
“Under the current The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, even if the owner is known, police cannot seize the animal even if the dog may be responsible for other attacks. There is also no requirement for the owner to report the attack and it is not a recordable offence.
“Farmers clearly need more protection as the financial and emotional impact of livestock worrying is something they can clearly do without.
“The police need to be given more powers to deal with offenders. Dog owners, whose animals attack livestock, should be made accountable and realise the seriousness of the offence and farmers should also be compensated for the distress and injuries to their sheep.
“Dog owners need to take responsibility and make sure their pets are kept on leads near livestock. Some may think they can guarantee their pet will not harass the animals but better be safe than sorry.
“Everyone enjoys walking dogs in the country and, of course, this is helping many people cope with the Covid crisis, but no-one wants to see unnecessary suffering caused to sheep or other animals.
“The reality is that a dog allowed to roam off a leash can cause distress and injury to sheep, in particular, and everyone needs to take extra care.”
During the ‘virtual’ meeting farmers in Wales heard what proposed changes to the law could help police forces across England and Wales deal with such incidents more effectively and deter irresponsible dog owners from causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to the livestock industry.
The importance of protecting livestock assets on farms with the right insurance policy was also highlighted.
Speaking at the webinar, jointly hosted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales and Wales YFC, North Wales Police Rural Crime Team Manager and Chair of the NPCC (National Police Chiefs Council) Livestock Offences group Rob Taylor said the Livestock Worrying Police Working Group report was at the consultation stage and he hoped some changes might take place this year.
FUW Insurance Services Account Executive Gwenno Davies told delegates that a minor addition to existing sheep cover could cost as little as £3 a year and cover the financial burden of losses incurred due to a livestock attack.
Speaking after the event, FUW Deputy President Ian Rickman said: “Those who have experienced and witnessed such incidents will be all too familiar with the stress and heartache that follows and we will do all we can to support our police forces in getting a change in the law. The most important thing any farmer can do to help speed up the process is by reporting livestock attacks to the police.”
Clare James, Chairman of Wales YFC Rural Affairs added: “Thank you to FUW for involving YFC in what was an informative and engaging meeting. Dog worrying is very much on the agenda for the Wales YFC Rural Affairs Committee, with members having felt the impacts of dog attacks directly on their farms. We are committed to contribute in tackling the issue and look forward to further working with the FUW and Police Rural Crimes teams across Wales.”
