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<p>My department takes the issue of livestock worrying very seriously, recognising
the distress this can cause farmers and animals, as well as the financial implications.</p><p>
</p><p>All reported crimes should be taken seriously, investigated and, where appropriate,
taken through the courts and met with tough sentences. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock)
Act 1953 (the 1953 Act) provides a specific offence of allowing a dog to worry livestock
on any agricultural land with a maximum fine of £1,000.</p><p> </p><p>For the purposes
of the 1953 Act, a dog can be said to be worrying livestock if it attacks or chases
livestock, or if it is at large (that is to say not on a lead or otherwise under close
control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep. In this Act, the definition
of “livestock” covers sheep, goats, swine, horses, asses, mules, poultry (including
domestic fowls, turkeys, geese or ducks), and cattle (including bulls, cows, oxen,
heifers or calves).</p><p> </p><p>In addition to the 1953 Act, the police can and
do take action under the Dogs Act 1871 where there are dogs that are out of control
and dangerous to other animals. Section 2 of the 1871 Act allows a complaint to be
made to a Magistrate’s court by any individual, the police or local authorities, where
a dog is “dangerous and not kept under proper control”. The court may make any Order
it considers appropriate to require the owner to keep the dog under proper control,
or if necessary, that it be destroyed. The court may specify measures to be taken
for keeping the dog under proper control, such as muzzling and remaining on a lead
when in public.</p><p> </p><p>Guidance is available to educate owners about handling
their dogs responsibly in the vicinity of livestock, in order to prevent the occurrence
of attacks or chasing.</p><p> </p><p>The statutory Code of Practice for the Welfare
of Dogs clearly sets out that all dogs need to be trained to behave well, ideally
from a very young age and should be introduced gradually and positively to different
environments, people and animals. The Code asks owners to ensure that they prevent
their dogs from chasing or attacking any other animals, including livestock and horses;
for example, through use of a lead or avoidance of such situations.</p><p> </p><p>Natural
England has recently published a refreshed version of the Countryside Code: advice
for countryside visitors, which is available online at: <a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advice-for-countryside-visitors"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advice-for-countryside-visitors</a>.
A copy is also attached to this answer. Both the short and long versions of the Countryside
Code make specific reference to keeping dogs under control and in sight to make sure
they stay away from wildlife, livestock, horses and other people unless invited. The
Code helpfully sets out certain legal requirements, encouraging visitors to always
check local signs as there are situations when you must keep your dog on a lead for
all or part of the year. An associated campaign will run throughout 2021, which will
include a broader conversation with stakeholders about what a ‘post Covid’ Code for
the 21st century would look like and how to promote more awareness and positive behaviour.</p><p>
</p><p>In light of the relevant legislation and statutory guidance available, the
Government does not consider it necessary to introduce any additional requirement
for dogs to be on a lead when near livestock.</p>
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