Key Facts

• Clause 1 addresses livestock worrying offences.
• Amendment 1 proposes increasing fines for those previously convicted under this Act with the same dog.
• The schedule includes amendments related to conviction penalties.
• Clause 1 brings camelids under the definition of 'livestock'.
• Clause 1 extends the scope to incidents on roads and paths.
• Clause 2 updates seizure procedures for police.
• Clause 3 ensures evidence collection methods are up-to-date, including dental impressions.
• Clause 4 grants powers of entry and search via application to a justice of the peace.
• Clause 5 covers extent, commencement, transitional provisions, and short title.
• The Act aims to come into force at the end of three months.
• The Bill addresses concerns of many constituents affected by dog attacks on livestock.
• Enhanced investigatory powers for the police are included in the amendments to the 1953 Act.
• Increased penalties for those found allowing their dogs to attack livestock.
• The Bill amends the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
• Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it an offence to own a dangerously out-of-control dog causing serious injury.
• Current penalties for livestock attacks under the Bill are considered too lenient with a maximum fine of £1,000.
• Kit Malthouse represents Hampshire downland with significant sheep population.
• The MP mentions a case of Fenton chasing deer across Richmond Park resulting in prosecution.
• There is currently a seven-day limit for detaining dogs by the police.
• Ostriches are considered part of the UK’s agricultural mix.
• A 'three strikes and you're out' rule is proposed for repeat offenders.
• The kept animals Bill was discussed two and a half years ago.
• The kept animals Bill introduced control orders and disqualification orders.
• The 1953 Act is being amended rather than replaced by the current Bill.
• Statistics show UK farm animals worth £2.4 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2023.
• A survey found that 70% of farmers had experienced sheep worrying incidents in the past year.
• The Bill will extend species protection to include camelids and amend terminology for attacking livestock.
• Disqualification from dog ownership is not currently covered by the Bill.
• Courts can impose unlimited fines through sentencing guidelines but do not distribute fine money to farmers for compensation.
• The Animal Welfare Act considers animal welfare, which is devolved, complicating disqualification issues.