Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to implement penalties for dog attacks on livestock; and when those penalties will be enforced.

The Government recognises the distress livestock worrying can cause animals and their keepers. All reported crimes should be taken seriously, investigated and, where appropriate, taken through the courts and met with appropriate penalties.

The Government is supporting a Private Members’ Bill which will introduce new measures to tackle the serious issue of livestock worrying. The Bill will modernise definitions and scope, strengthen police powers, and increase the maximum penalty from a fine of £1,000 to an “unlimited” fine to act as a deterrent.