Overview

This Bill amends the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 to strengthen protections for livestock by broadening the definition of livestock worrying, increasing the powers of law enforcement, and clarifying penalties. It also clarifies the circumstances under which dog owners are liable for their dog's actions.

Description

The key changes introduced by this Bill include:

• Expanding the scope of the offence: The definition of "livestock worrying" is extended to include incidents occurring on roads and paths, and adds camelids (like llamas and alpacas) to the definition of livestock. The act of attacking livestock is now dealt with separately from worrying.
• Clarifying owner liability: Dog owners are only liable if their dog worries livestock while in the charge of another person *without* the owner's consent. The owner must also prove they reasonably believed the other person was fit and proper to be in charge or that they didn't consent to the dog being in their charge.
• Enhanced enforcement powers: Police are given greater powers to seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock, even if the owner is unknown. They can also take samples and impressions from dogs and livestock as evidence and obtain warrants to enter and search premises where a dog is suspected to be.
• Updated penalties: The maximum penalty for livestock worrying is clarified and the court can order an offender to pay expenses related to the seizure and detention of a dog.
• Repeal of outdated legislation: Section 3 of the Dogs Act 1906, concerning the seizure of stray dogs, is repealed.

Government Spending

The Bill doesn't directly specify additional government spending. However, increased enforcement activities might lead to increased costs for police forces in terms of resources dedicated to investigating livestock worrying incidents and managing seized dogs.

Groups Affected

• Farmers and livestock owners: They will benefit from stronger protections for their animals and potentially clearer legal recourse.
• Dog owners: They face stricter liability for their dogs' actions, especially concerning livestock worrying on roads and paths. Increased penalties and costs associated with seized dogs may also affect them.
• Police forces: Increased responsibilities in enforcing the amended legislation may necessitate more resources.
• Camelid owners: Their animals are now explicitly included under the protection of the Act.

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