Today in Parliament, Thérèse, took her Protection of Livestock Private Members Bill through the Committee Stage. If approved, the new laws will give police more powers to tackle dog attacks on livestock, including seizing dogs after serious incidents and enabling officers to take evidence samples from livestock and dogs to assist in investigations.
Thérèse has worked closely with the NFU on the bill and recently met Suffolk NFU members in her constituency office in Woodbridge to gather information and case studies.
Therese said: “I think the bill will make a real impact and collaboration with the NFU and the farming community has been key to this. Giving police more powers and some high-profile prosecutions should act as a strong deterrent and encourage people to be responsible dog owners. I hope the bill will generate a significant national publicity campaign to help raise awareness about the importance of keeping a dog on a lead around livestock.”
Figures from insurers NFU Mutual, published in February, revealed that farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2023, up nearly 30% from the previous year. Livestock worrying includes barking, chasing, biting and killing.
NFU County Adviser for Suffolk Ella Thackray said: “Sadly livestock worrying continues to be a major issue for many farmers in Suffolk and other parts of the country. This has a financial impact and it’s really awful to see the animals suffering in this way. We urge people to keep their dogs on a lead around livestock and make sure their gardens are secure. If this bill is passed, it will be really good news and we thank Thérèse Coffey for working on this with us. We will be encouraging our members to report incidents of livestock worrying to help to make a positive impact in reducing the number of incidents that are happening.”
Photo: From left to right: Contract shepherdess, Tilly Abbott, sheep farmer, Heidi Crick, farm manager, Will Pratt, sheep farmer and dog trainer, Ed Hawkins, Thérèse Coffey, NFU Suffolk County Adviser Ella Thackray and NFU External Affairs Adviser Jen Cox. Picture: NFU.
