Livestock Worrying Bill - Clause 1, amendment to increase penalties for livestock worrying offences

The right hon. Member supported the amendment, highlighting its importance in increasing the fine that can be imposed on individuals convicted of livestock worrying offences to an unlimited amount.

The hon. Member expressed concern over the increasing number of dog attacks on farm animals, which causes significant financial and emotional stress for farmers. He welcomed the amendment but called for stronger measures to prevent disqualification from owning dogs and advocated for requiring dogs to be kept on leads near livestock.

The right hon. Member acknowledged the importance of the Bill in protecting farmers and their livestock while also promoting responsible dog ownership. She confirmed support for the amendment, stating it would provide an additional deterrent to reduce livestock worrying incidents.

Proposes the Bill to make it easier for the police to seize dogs and gather evidence when necessary, beyond just fields where livestock are kept. Mentions NFU concerns over rising dog attacks on farm animals, leading to significant financial losses.

[INTERVENTION] Emphasises the importance of education for people from all backgrounds to enjoy and understand how to keep livestock safe in the countryside.

[INTERVENTION] Supports the Bill, citing NFU Mutual data showing significant financial claims from dog attacks on farm animals and stressing that even dogs chasing sheep can cause severe harm.

Stresses the importance of people enjoying the countryside responsibly, noting existing legislation's inadequacy. Welcomes the Bill for expanding its scope to include roads and paths, allowing police to seize dogs when owners are not present.

Highlights the need for reform of existing legislation, citing NFU Mutual data. Welcomes the Bill's provisions to include roads and paths within its scope, and the police seizing dogs when owners are not present.

Supports the Bill for strengthening laws to prevent dog attacks on livestock. Emphasises the importance of education and responsible dog ownership.

Supports the Bill's progress through the other House, noting it is an important piece of legislation. No specific opposition arguments presented.

Congratulates the right hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal on guiding the Bill through the House and thanks the Opposition for their support. Emphasises that livestock worrying and attacks can have terrible impacts, with 34,000 incidents annually costing £2.4 million a year in economic losses. Supports the Bill as it will give added protection to valuable livestock and send important signals regarding access to the countryside with dogs.

Congratulates the right hon. Member for Suffolk Coastal on taking her Bill through the House but no specific arguments are provided in the given text.