‘Farmers need support on this’ - Labour to toughen up laws on livestock worrying

Cumbria-based Ms Hayman, who has experienced livestock worrying on her own sheep, told Farmers Guardian: “I spent some time talking to the police and APGAW had done a really good report on it, and I thought this is really something that needs to be brought up the Labour agenda.

“The farmers need support on this.”

APGAW said it was also asking for an updated and amended Livestock Act and that it would like to see a duty to report any attack.

‘Important issue’

APGAW chairwoman Angela Smith said: “Action needs to be taken now to update legislation, in order to tackle sooner rather than later the suffering and loss caused by livestock worrying, and we will continue our efforts to make progress on this very important issue.”

In Scotland, a Protection of Livestock (Scotland) Bill put forward by Emma Harper MSP is moving through Parliament.

It calls for more investigative powers for the Police in order to secure evidence, increased sentencing and the ability to remove dogs from an owner when required.

The National Sheep Association said it was pleased to see livestock worrying moving up the political agenda.

A spokesperson said: “The use of innovative technology such as DNA testing will help the police address this crime, and giving the police more powers to deal with those who refuse to keep their dogs under control will give farmers more confidence to engage.”