New livestock protection law "huge victory" amid rising dog attacks in Kent
Change in legislation strengthens powers and increases penalties
A leading Kent farmer has declared a new amendment to The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act a "huge victory" following a shocking 137% rise in dog attacks on farm animals in the South East.
Police now have enhanced powers to investigate incidents of livestock worrying, benefiting from technological and scientific advancements.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has successfully lobbied for this change since 2019, with the amendment coming into effect this month.
According to NFU Mutual, farm animals in the South East were severely injured or killed in dog attacks valued at an estimated £330,000, underlining the pressing need for legislative reform.
Hugh Richards, NFU Regional Livestock Board Vice Chair and farmer near Ashford, expressed the positive impact of the law on the farming community.
"Attacks by dogs on livestock have devastating impacts on farmers, their families, and their animals," Mr Richards said.
The amendment raises the maximum penalty for livestock worrying from £1,000 to unlimited fines, allowing police to detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock.
Incidents occurring on roads and paths are now considered illegal, and camelids such as alpacas and llamas have gained protection under the new law.
The NFU, in collaboration with Kent Police and Kent County Council Trading Standards, is advocating for responsible dog ownership to prevent livestock worrying, using media and social media platforms.
Sergeant Darren Walshaw from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force emphasizes the importance of keeping dogs on leads near farm animals, warning of potential financial losses and trauma from attacks.
Farmers possess the right to protect their livestock, leading to possible fatal consequences for dogs found worrying animals.
Kent Police are equipped with DNA kits for swabbing attacked animals to identify the responsible dog.
More information about the Countryside Code can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code.