Aphra Brandreth, Chester South and Eddisbury MP, said: "For too long, farmers have been subject to livestock attacks that have crippled operations and put animals through horrendous ordeals."
Spring is here and with it comes the sights and sounds of new life on-farm.
Lambs are being born and there is nothing quite as heartwarming as seeing a lamb climb to its feet next to its mother and begin its life.
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It is also a time of year when we put on our walking boots and enjoy the great British Countryside for walks and rambles.
Of course, when we do, many of us will be joined by our dogs.
Livestock worrying
Whilst our four-legged friends can be wonderful companions, dogs dangerously out of control can chase, attack and cause distress to livestock.
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Sadly, these attacks occur all year round although they are most common between January and April, during lambing season.
'Distressing' incidents
The impacts of livestock attacks are not only financial, they are also deeply distressing for farmers.
Attacks can devastate a farm.
New legislation
Current legislation is not sufficient, which is why I am sponsoring a Private Members' Bill called the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill to address shortcomings in the law.
My Bill will seek to decrease the number of livestock fatally injured by attacks and incidences of worrying.
For too long, farmers have been subject to livestock attacks that have crippled operations and put animals through horrendous ordeals.
My Bill will reform how livestock attacks are investigated, granting police greater powers and enabling them to gather and collect more efficient evidence, including taking samples from the scene.
Greater powers to convict offenders
Crucially, it will increase fines to serve as a stronger deterrent and extend protections to all livestock while also covering incidents that occur not only on-farms but on roads and public paths as well.
The Bill was introduced in the previous parliament by Dame Therese Coffey and we owe her a great deal of credit for working so hard to construct the framework.
Unfortunately, she was not able to see the Bill through all stages of the legislative process as the General Election was called last July, but I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to take it forward and deliver for farmers.
As Chester South and Eddisbury MP, I have sadly become all too aware of the frequency and damage of livestock attacks.
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It is not uncommon to hear of incidents where multiple animals have been attacked. The financial impact can be substantial.
NFU Mutual's Rural Crime survey
Recent data published by NFU Mutual indicates that, on a national level, the cost of insurance claims resulting from dog attacks on livestock increased to over £2.4m in 2023, representing a 30% rise compared to the previous year.
But alongside the financial impacts, this Bill is rooted in a commitment to animal welfare.
'Horrific' incidents
The damage of a livestock attack can be horrific, causing brutal injuries which are tragically often fatal.
There are incidences of stress causing pregnant livestock to miscarry and separation of mothers and young leading to hypothermia or starvation.
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I have seen pictures from farmers in my constituency where attacks have mutilated their calves beyond any hope of keeping them alive.
'Emotional distress'
I hear the emotional distress farmers face when they are forced to watch an attack unfold. It is truly devastating.
Of course, we need dog owners to be more responsible in the countryside but we also need to make sure that when an attack happens, it is dealt with correctly and efficiently to support the farmer, find the dog in question and ensure the owner is held responsible.
My Bill will soon be heading to the committee stage of the legislative process.
I am glad that it has cross-party support.
It is time that parliament delivered to change the law on livestock worrying and I could not be prouder that the Bill to address this vital issue is going forward in my name.
Take the Lead
You can support 草榴社区 Guardian's 'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.
We can provide you with free signs to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, 草榴社区 Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at [email protected].
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