Tougher law on dog attacks but questions over its scope

New legislation on worrying animals is to come into force but equestrians are unclear as to when they are covered

- By LUCY ELDER

NEW legislation that will give police more powers to deal with loose dogs upsetting animals has been welcomed but questions remain on its scope.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill had its final reading in the House of Lords on 5 December and has gone to The King for royal assent, which means it will become law.

The legislation is designed to give police greater powers to tackle livestock worrying. It will allow for stronger punishments, and investigation of worrying that happened before the bill was passed.

DNA SAMPLES

POLICE will be able to detain dogs suspected of worrying if there is nobody present to accept responsibility for the dog, and will be allowed to take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs they suspect of worrying livestock.

“We recognise the positive steps, but there are still vital elements we feel need to be addressed,” British Horse Society safety team manager Des Payne told H&H.