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Overview

This Bill amends the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 to strengthen the law on livestock worrying by clarifying the offence, increasing penalties, and providing police with enhanced investigative powers. It extends the definition of livestock worrying to include incidents on roads and paths, and grants police greater authority to seize and detain dogs involved.

Description

The Bill makes several key changes:

• Expanded Scope of the Offence: The definition of "livestock worrying" is broadened to include incidents occurring on roads and paths, not just agricultural land. Camelids are added to the definition of livestock.
• Increased Penalties: Higher fines are introduced for those convicted of livestock worrying.
• Dog Owner Liability: A dog owner is exempted from liability if their dog worries livestock while under the charge of another person without the owner's consent, provided certain conditions are met.
• Police Powers: Police are given the power to seize and detain dogs suspected of livestock worrying, even if the owner is absent, allowing for investigation and the collection of samples from the dog or livestock. Warrants can be obtained to enter premises to seize dogs or evidence. A register of seized dogs must be kept and made publicly available.
• Terminology Update: The Act's wording is updated to clearly differentiate between attacking and worrying livestock.
• Cost Recovery: Courts can order offenders to pay expenses associated with the seizure and detention of their dogs.

Government Spending

The Bill is not expected to significantly increase government spending. Costs may arise from increased police workloads and court proceedings, but any additional expenditure is likely to be offset by potential savings in livestock losses and related compensation claims. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Farmers and Livestock Owners: Potentially benefit from stronger protections for their livestock and increased likelihood of successful prosecutions against offenders.
• Dog Owners: Could face increased penalties for livestock worrying and potential loss of their dogs if involved in an incident, however, they will have an exemption if their dog is in the charge of another person without the owner's consent, provided certain conditions are met.
• Police: Will have increased responsibilities and powers for investigating livestock worrying incidents.
• Courts: Will deal with an increased number of livestock worrying cases and may need to determine the reasonable expenses incurred by reason of a dog's seizure and detention.