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Livestock Worrying Bill - Clause 1, amendment to increase penalties for livestock worrying offences
17 May 2024
Lead MP
Therese Coffey
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Therese Coffey raised concerns about livestock worrying bill - clause 1, amendment to increase penalties for livestock worrying offences in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key Requests to Government:
Amendment agreed to.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The right hon. Member proposed an amendment to increase the penalty that can be imposed on individuals convicted of livestock worrying offences. The proposal is designed to impose an unlimited fine, making it a stronger deterrent against such behaviour. This is in response to growing concerns from farmers and previous recommendations during the Bill's passage.
Nigel Evans
Con
Salford and Eccles
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.
Steve Reed
Lab Co-op
Streatham and Croydon North
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.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
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.
Therese Coffey
Con
Suffolk Coastal
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.
Chris Green
Con
Honiton
[INTERVENTION] Emphasises the importance of education for people from all backgrounds to enjoy and understand how to keep livestock safe in the countryside.
Anna Firth
Con
Southend West
[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.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
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.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
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.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Supports the Bill for strengthening laws to prevent dog attacks on livestock. Emphasises the importance of education and responsible dog ownership.
Steve Reed
Lab Co-op
Streatham and Croydon North
Supports the Bill's progress through the other House, noting it is an important piece of legislation. No specific opposition arguments presented.
Rebecca Pow
Con
Taunton Deane
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.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
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.
Shadow Response
Steve Reed
Shadow Response
The hon. Member expressed support for the amendment but called for additional measures, such as requiring dogs to be kept on leads near livestock.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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