There is about to be a change to the laws that relate to dogs worrying of livestock.

The bill has passed through the House of Commons and now gone through the House of lords, and as such will go forward for Royal assent and will become law.

Some of the key aspects is that the old fine limit of £1000 will be scrapped and will become “unlimited”, also, an important factor for us, is that Llamas and Alpacas are now included in the livestock category of this law which is good news for Moss and Mario. The new law also clarifies about attacks on livestock that occur on roads and tracks.

There has been a significant increase is dogs worrying livestock over the last few years and the changes to this law means that Dog Owners have a greater requirement to keep their dog(s) under stricter control.

There is more information in the following Farmers Weekly article – https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/crime/lords-approve-unlimited-fines-for-livestock-dog-attacks#:~:text=Scotland%20has%20already%20strengthened%20its,definition%20of%20livestock%20includes%20camelids.

As we have footpaths that are popular with dog walkers these changes to the law are good news. All we ask is that dogs are kept under control and particularly as walkers and the dogs pass through each of the hedges into the fields.