New protection for farm livestock hailed by NFU

THE National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has declared that farmers across England and Wales are set to benefit from stronger protections as the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act - sponsored by Aphra Brandreth MP and Baroness ‘Thérése Coffey - receives Royal Assent.

- STAFF REPORTER

(Toby Lea/NFU)

What the NFU describes as landmark legislation will help to safeguard livestock from dog attacks by giving the police greater enforcement powers, increasing penalties and ensuring justice for farmers whose animals suffer from dog attacks.

‘The NFU has been carrying out a targeted campaign to secure this change since 2019.

Following the withdrawal of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill in 2023, the NFU launched an open letter to the Government, signed by more than 10,000 people, calling for urgent action to strengthen the Bill. This month’s announcement marks the culmination of years of persistence, collaboration and public support.