Call to jail owners for dog attacks on livestock
A NEW law that could see dog owners jailed and fined £5,000 if their pet attacks livestock has been backed by a Holyrood committee.
But MSPs also raised concerns about key elements to the members’ Bill from the SNP’s Emma Harper, which proposes the crackdown on so- called livestock worrying incidents.
The rural economy committee has released a report which backs the principles of the Bill but demands changes are made to address concerns about ‘the intent, appropriateness and practical application’ of enforcement powers.
During its inquiry into the issue, the committee was told that most
‘Suffering to farm animals’
livestock attacks happen because pets escape from a garden.
Some groups believe dog control notices (DCNs) may be a better way of dealing with issues than the plan within the Bill to increase the maximum penalty to six months’ imprisonment or a £5,000 fine, or both.
Committee convener Edward Mountain said: ‘In principle the Committee is supportive of new legislation which would introduce tougher enforcement powers and increase penalties for livestock worrying, as dog attacks can cause suffering to farm animals and significant financial cost to farmers.
‘However, the evidence from stakeholders has highlighted a number of areas in the Bill on which the Committee considers more clarity and/ or amendment is needed to assist in achieving its objectives and making it as effective as possible.
‘Our report raises concerns about the lack of clarity around the intent, appropriateness and practical application of several of the enforcement and prosecution provisions.
‘We have also called for the proposals to create new inspection bodies and those to grant the police the power of entry, search and seizure without a warrant in cases of livestock worrying to be removed.’
In its stage one report published today, the Committee said it was unconvinced that increased sentencing powers alone would act as a deterrent, and questioned whether measures relating to compensation for livestock owners were necessary given existing remedies available.
The committee’s report also said: ‘ [ The National Farmers Union Scotland] and Dogs Trust stated that DCNs should be extended for use by the police and other enforcement authorities.’
Miss Harper said: ‘Most of these horrific attacks are on sheep. But horse riders have also been injured or killed by out of control dogs.
‘This is extremely serious.’