MP Sir Ashley Fox is backing tougher laws to protect farmers against livestock worrying and dog attacks.

Sir Ashley, whose Bridgwater constituency takes in parts of West Somerset, said: “Livestock worrying can cause serious injury, immense suffering, and, in the worst cases, death to farm animals.

“These incidents are not only traumatic for farmers but result in significant financial losses.”

Sir Ashley highlighted the serious impact of dog attacks on animals and farming communities as he supported new legislation in Parliament.

He pointed to data from NFU Mutual which showed insurance claims for dog attacks on livestock came to more than £1.8 million in 2023.

The Public Bill Committee on the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill has proposed several key changes to existing legislation, including:

  • A clear legal distinction between worrying and attacking livestock to strengthen police powers
  • New provisions to allow police to collect evidence, such as blood samples from dogs, when they have reasonable grounds to believe an attack has taken place
  • The ability for officers to seize and detain dogs believed to have caused harm
  • Closing a loophole by including roads and public paths within the law’s remit, making dog owners responsible for controlling their dogs near livestock at all times
  • Expanding the definition of ‘livestock’ to include animals such as llamas and alpacas

Sir Ashley welcomed the inclusion of roads and public rights of way and said: “At the moment, if an animal is attacked when it is not in one of the farm fields, the responsibility falls on the farmer, rather than the owner of the dog.

“I also support the move to include camelids within the definition of livestock.”

The Bill, which has cross-party support, follows increased concern from farmers, police, and animal welfare bodies over the scale and severity of livestock worrying incidents.