The National Sheep Association (NSA) is celebrating the news that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill successfully passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords on Friday (December 5).
NSA said this marks a significant milestone in the long-running effort to tackle dog attacks on livestock and is the culmination of extensive work by many dedicated individuals and organisations committed to protecting sheep farmers and their flocks.
The Bill will now return to the House of Commons for final sign-off before moving on to receive Royal Assent.
Importantly, the strengthened bill introduces several vital improvements for sheep farmers in England and Wales, including:
- Expanded police powers, allowing officers to seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking livestock, even when incidents are not witnessed directly;
- Greater clarity in the law, with updated definitions of livestock and attacks, ensuring modern farming systems and dog ownership patterns are properly recognised; and
- Strengthened penalties, helping reinforce the seriousness of livestock attacks and sending a clear signal that irresponsible dog ownership will not be tolerated.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “This is truly excellent news for sheep farmers across England and Wales. NSA has worked tirelessly to ensure the severity of livestock attacks is fully understood and is delighted to see the Bill progressing towards becoming law.
“We warmly thank all those who have contributed to achieving this milestone. The improvements contained within the legislation will provide farmers with greater confidence that incidents will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.”
Mr Stocker said NSA ;ooks forward to the final steps of the legislative process and urges continued responsible dog ownership from the public, especially as more dog walkers take to the countryside during the upcoming festive period.
